Multiple Sclerosis and Obesity: Possible Roles of Adipokines

Abstract

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder of the Central Nervous System that has been associated with several environmental factors, such as diet and obesity. The possible link between MS and obesity has become more interesting in recent years since the discovery of the remarkable properties of adipose tissue. Once MS is initiated, obesity can contribute to increased disease severity by negatively influencing disease progress and treatment response, but, also, obesity in early life is highly relevant as a susceptibility factor and causally related risk for late MS development. The aim of this review was to discuss recent evidence about the link between obesity, as a chronic inflammatory state, and the pathogenesis of MS as a chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disease. First, we describe the main cells involved in MS pathogenesis, both from neural tissue and from the immune system, and including a new participant, the adipocyte, focusing on their roles in MS. Second, we concentrate on the role of several adipokines that are able to participate in the mediation of the immune response in MS and on the possible cross talk between the latter. Finally, we explore recent therapy that involves the transplantation of adipocyte precursor cells for the treatment of MS.

Blood pressure and body fat percent in women with NMOSD

“…Interestingly, the present result indicated that BF% was significantly related to 1/AQP4 titer in NMOSD patients at acute phase. The role of adipose tissue in the pathogenesis of MS has become subject of great interest (Guerrero‐García et al, ). It is believed that increased fat mass, as well as the elevated levels of adipokines, may be involved in the altered immune response and inflammatory processes in NMOSD.…”

Emerging Approaches for Validating and Managing Multiple Sclerosis Relapse

“…Obesity, particularly during adolescence, has emerged as a risk factor for developing MS (61), and obese MS patients experience higher rates of comorbidities and greater disability (62). This is believed to stem from the pro-inflammatory effects of adipokines released from adipose tissue (63). Central obesity, as defined by increased waist circumference, is often indicative of metabolic syndrome, and is suggested to be a more potent risk factor than body mass index alone (64).…”

A systems medicine approach reveals disordered immune system and lipid metabolism in multiple sclerosis patients

“…ADIPOQ has anti-inflammatory activities in the immune system cells, and its low serum level is associated with disease severity [59]. ADIPOQ has anti-inflammatory activities in the immune system cells, and its low serum level is associated with disease severity [59].…”

“…ADIPOQ secreted by adipocytes functions through ADIPOQ receptor 1 (AdipoR1), which mediates the stimulation of AMPK phosphorylation and AdipoR2 which mediates PPAR-a activity [57]. PPAR-g signalling is also related to ADIPOQ, and its agonists can control EAE by preventing IL-1b, IL-6, nitric oxide (NO) and TNF-a production (by astrocytes and microglia) and inhibiting T helper type 1 (Th1) differentiation and IL-12 generation/signalling [59]. production, and enhancement of regulatory T cell count and IL-10 secretion [57,58].…”

“…production, and enhancement of regulatory T cell count and IL-10 secretion [57,58]. PPAR-g signalling is also related to ADIPOQ, and its agonists can control EAE by preventing IL-1b, IL-6, nitric oxide (NO) and TNF-a production (by astrocytes and microglia) and inhibiting T helper type 1 (Th1) differentiation and IL-12 generation/signalling [59].…”