Adipocytes have been shown to play a central role in cognitive decline and neurodegeneration

DOI:10.1016 / j.isci.2021.103262 

Explanation

This study shows that adipocytes regulate systemic responses to brain function and cause impairments in memory and cognition, according to animal studies.

Activation of the Na,K-ATPase oxidant amplification loop affected the expression of important protein markers in adipocytes and the hippocampus, compromising brain function and potentially causing neurodegeneration.

It also seems possible that targeting adipocytes to antagonize Na, K-ATPase could improve these results.

Using a genetically modified mouse model that specifically releases the peptide NaKtide into adipocytes, the researchers found that NaKtide inhibits the signaling function of Na, K-ATPase.

Adipocyte-specific expression of NaKtide has been found to ameliorate phenotypic changes in adipocytes and improved hippocampal function associated with memory and cognition.

This explains why inducing oxidative stress through a Western diet may increase the production of inflammatory cytokines restricted to adipocytes and alter protein markers of memory and cognition in the hippocampus.