Daniela S. Inoue*, Mohammad F. Bin Maideen, Alberto Jiménez-Maldonado and Fábio S. Lira* Pages 2512 - 2521 ( 10 )
Obesity is associated with an exacerbated synthesis and secretion of several molecules, which culminates in chronic low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance. Such conditions affect molecular and physiological responses of several organs and, if not resolved, predispose the obese patients to other diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, cancer, neural injuries, and cognitive impairments. A microenvironment with an excess of pro-inflammatory cytokines released by different cells, including immune and adipose cells lead to metabolic and non-metabolic diseases during obesity. In this context, the role of neuronal guidance cues named netrin, semaphorin and ephrin is novel. Specifically, the available literature indicates that besides their classic role as molecules that guide the axon to its target site, the neuronal guidance cues exhibit immunomodulatory functions from adipose tissue to the neural environment. In the current narrative review, we discuss the participation of the neuronal guidance cues on the physiology and pathophysiology of obesity. We also discuss the feedback loop of obesity on the netrin, semaphorin and ephrin functions that impair the structure and function of the brain. The integrative view of the neuronal guidance cues can be relevant in designing new treatments focus on attenuating metabolic and immune disorders in obese patients and reduce the risk of acquiring diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, cancer, and neural injuries.
Cell adhesion, cell migration, UNC5B, neuropilins, Eph receptors, hippocampus.
Post-Graduation Program in Movement Sciences, Department of Physical Education, State University (Unesp), School of Technology and Sciences, Presidente Prudente, 19060-900, São Paulo, The University of Sydney, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, NSW, Facultad de Deportes Campus Ensenada, Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, Post-Graduation Program in Movement Sciences, Department of Physical Education, State University (Unesp), School of Technology and Sciences, Presidente Prudente, 19060-900, São Paulo