Autonomic control of energy balance and glucose homeostasis

Abstract

Neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) communicate with peripheral organs largely via the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Through such communications, the sympathetic and parasympathetic efferent divisions of the ANS may affect thermogenesis and blood glucose levels. In contrast, peripheral organs send feedback to the CNS via hormones and autonomic afferent nerves. These humoral and neural feedbacks, as well as neural commands from higher brain centers directly or indirectly shape the metabolic function of autonomic neurons. Notably, recent developments in mouse genetics have enabled more detailed studies of ANS neurons and circuits, which have helped elucidate autonomic control of metabolism. Here, we will summarize the functional organization of the ANS and discuss recent updates on the roles of neural and humoral factors in the regulation of energy balance and glucose homeostasis by the ANS.

Dysregulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α in the sympathetic nervous system accelerates diabetic cardiomyopathy

“…In addition, oxidative stress can exacerbate the production of AGEs [ 90 , 91 ]. Considering that the sympathetic system plays a crucial role in modulating glucose metabolism of target organs (as reviewed in [ 87 , 88 ]), it is reasonable to hypothesize that a dysfunctional sympathetic system could potentially have an impact on glucose metabolism, glucose uptake, and/or lead to increased oxidative stress in target tissues, which could in turn exacerbate the production of AGEs. These findings indicate that an impaired sympathetic system may contribute to AGE-mediated pathologies, including neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases [ 91 ].…”

“…Hyperglycemia and increased levels of glucose metabolites upregulate the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), affecting the structural and functional characteristics of cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells [86]. The sympathetic nervous system increases glucose uptake in peripheral tissues, and thus, dysfunction of the sympathetic system impairs glucose metabolism and uptake in target organs (as reviewed in [87][88][89]). Although AGE formation is primarily driven by hyperglycemia, oxidative stress can exacerbate the process [90,91].…”

Artificial Homeostasis Systems Based on Feedback Reaction Networks: Design Principles and Future Promises

“…[79] Nevertheless, diabetes is now also an extreme health threat due to the malfunctioning of glucose homeostasis. [80] Therefore, research in chemistry, synthetic and chemical biology adequately concentrates on realizing homeostasis mechanisms precisely toward resolving several health threats.…”

A brainstem to hypothalamic arcuate nucleus GABAergic circuit drives feeding

“…One of the primary nodes for the integration of energy-related information from the periphery to the brain is the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) within the brainstem dorsal vagal complex (DVC)(Hyun & Sohn, 2022). The NTS contains a heterogeneous population of energy-related sensitive cells(Cheng et al, 2022; Dowsett et al, 2021; Grill & Hayes, 2012).…”