Work

The effect of neurohormonal factors, epigenetic factors, and gut microbiota on risk of obesity.

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: Molecular, cellular, and epidemiologic findings suggest that neurohormonal, epigenetic, and microbiologic mechanisms may influence risk for obesity by interacting with socioenvironmental factors. Homeostatic and nonhomeostatic neural controls of energy predispose people to obesity, and this predisposition may be exaggerated by the influence of media, marketing, and sleep patterns. Epigenetic gene regulation may account for the influence of modifiable early life or maternal exposures on obesity risk. Alterations in gut flora caused by infant feeding practices or later diet may influence the absorption and storage of energy. Further exploration of how these molecular-cellular mechanisms might increase obesity risk in response to modifiable socioeconomic factors requires the partnership of laboratory and public health researchers.

Source: PubMed Central

Authors: Matthew A Haemer, Terry T Huang, Stephen R Daniels

Institutions: Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado Anschutz

Language: English

Topic: Regulation of Appetite and Obesity

Subfield: Endocrine and Autonomic Systems

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Award: Institutional Training Program in Nutrition