Abstract

Obesity is a world health problem. Excess of white adipose tissue (WAT) might lead to development of neurodegenerative disorders. WAT contributes to low-grade inflammation leading to the enhancement of pro-inflammatory adipokines, such as TNF-α, leptin and IL-6, which will lead to a peripheral inflammation that affects central nervous system functioning. Pro-inflammatory adipokines are enhanced in obesity, while anti-inflammatory, such as IL-10 and adiponectin, are reduced. Obesity seems to be related to cognitive decline and the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer, through the production of pro-inflammatory adipokines with a consistent reduction of adiponectin and IL-10.

Keywords:Obesity; Inflammation; Leptin; Brain regions; Cognitive performance

Abbreviations:WAT: White Adipose Tissue; TNF-α: Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha; IL: Inter Leukin; CNS: Central Nervous System; BBB: Blood Brain Barrier