Obesity-related cognitive impairment: The role of endothelial dysfunction

Joy Jones Buie; Luke S. Watson; Crystal J. Smith; Catrina Sims-Robinson

Neurobiology of Disease (Dec 2019)

Obesity-related cognitive impairment: The role of endothelial dysfunction

Joy Jones Buie,
Luke S. Watson,
Crystal J. Smith,
Catrina Sims-Robinson

Affiliations

Joy Jones Buie: WISSDOM Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
Luke S. Watson: Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Molecular and Cellular Biology and Pathobiology Program, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
Crystal J. Smith: Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
Catrina Sims-Robinson: Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Molecular and Cellular Biology and Pathobiology Program, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Corresponding author at: Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, 301 Clinical Sciences Building, MSC 606, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 132

Abstract

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Obesity is a global pandemic associated with macro- and microvascular endothelial dysfunction. Microvascular endothelial dysfunction has recently emerged as a significant risk factor for the development of cognitive impairment. In this review, we present evidence from clinical and preclinical studies supporting a role for obesity in cognitive impairment. Next, we discuss how obesity-related hyperinsulinemia/insulin resistance, systemic inflammation, and gut dysbiosis lead to cognitive impairment through induction of endothelial dysfunction and disruption of the blood brain barrier. Finally, we outline the potential clinical utility of dietary interventions, exercise, and bariatric surgery in circumventing the impacts of obesity on cognitive function.

Published in Neurobiology of Disease

ISSN: 0969-9961 (Print); 1095-953X (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United States
LCC subjects: Medicine: Internal medicine: Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/neurobiology-of-disease

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Abstract

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