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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #416048

Research Project: Molecular, Cellular, and Regulatory Aspects of Obesity Development

Location: Children's Nutrition Research Center

Title: Anoctamin 4 defines glucose-inhibited neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamus

Author
item TU, LONGLONG - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)
item HE, YANLIN - Louisiana State University
item XU, YONG - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)

Submitted to: Neural Regeneration Research
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/2/2023
Publication Date: 9/22/2023
Citation: Tu, L., He, Y., Xu, Y. 2023. Anoctamin 4 defines glucose-inhibited neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamus. Neural Regeneration Research. 19(6):1177-1178. https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.385867.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.385867

Interpretive Summary: The brain primarily depends on glucose as its main energy source, emphasizing the importance of tightly controlling and maintaining glucose levels within a specific range. The body requires a consistent supply of energy, primarily derived from glucose, to support various functions. Disruptions in blood glucose levels, whether excessively high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia), can interfere with the normal functioning of organs. Persistent high blood glucose levels can lead to damage in blood vessels, nerves, and organs such as the heart, kidneys, and eyes. Conversely, low blood glucose levels can impair brain function, potentially causing seizures, loss of consciousness, and other severe complications, including the risk of death. Thus, it is crucial to uphold the proper balance of glucose for the body to function optimally and maintain overall health.

Technical Abstract: Glucose is the primary fuel source of the brain, and therefore glucose levels need to be tightly regulated and maintained within a small physiological range. Certainly, the body necessitates a stable supply of energy mainly provided by glucose for various bodily functions. High or low blood glucose levels would impair the physiological functions of various organs of the body. Prolonged high blood glucose (i.e., hyperglycemia) would cause damage to the blood vessels, nerves, and other organs (e.g., heart, kidneys, and eyes). Low blood glucose (i.e., hypoglycemia) would undermine brain functions and lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, and other serious complications including death.