Brain lipogenesis and regulation of energy metabolism.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To revise current available information related to the role of brain lipogenic pathways in the regulation of energy homeostasis.

RECENT FINDINGS

The 'classical' hypothalamic neuropeptide view of feeding regulation has been extensively reviewed and revised during the past few years. Accumulating evidence indicates that the modulation of lipogenesis de novo in the hypothalamus, through selective pharmacologic and genetic manipulation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, AMP-activated protein kinase, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1, fatty acid synthase and malonyl-CoA decarboxylase enzymes, has a severe impact on food intake and body weight homeostasis. Furthermore, as these manipulations alter the hypothalamic pool of lipids, such as malonyl-CoA or long chain fatty acyl-CoA or both, the concept of lipids as signals of nutrient abundance able to modulate feeding in the hypothalamus has recently re-emerged.

SUMMARY

In this review, we summarize what is known about brain lipogenesis and energy balance and propose further avenues of research. Defining these novel mechanisms could offer new targets for the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome.