(Epi)genetic Aspects of Metabolic Syndrome Pathogenesis in Relation to Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression: A Review

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

A key element in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is the reprogramming of hypothalamic cells at the genetic level (in the prenatal phase), which leads to neuroinflammation. We hypothesize that alterations in the structure of hypothalamic neurons mediated by (epi)genetic alterations are directly related to impaired expression/production of neurotrophins and neurotransmitters that control the metabolism of substances in the brain and periphery, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The aim of this review is to describe the molecular genetic and epigenetic role of BDNF in the development of MetS. Articles entered into the National Library of Medicine Medline database via the PubMed interface were used to create this review. We attempted to include as much literature as possible, including reviews, animal studies, cell culture studies, and clinical trials. Studies on BDNF point to its role in metabolic processes, including glucose, insulin, and cholesterol homeostasis. Evidence-based studies show that multiple genes in close proximity to BDNF are involved in the development of MetS. Studies aimed at analyzing BDNF in metabolic diseases using different biological samples will reveal clear pathophysiological links between processes in the brain and in the periphery.