The role of hypothalamus in the regulation of energy balance and mouse models of obesity
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14720/aas.2002.80.2.15578Keywords:
obesity, energy balance, central nervous system, hypothalamus, leptin, neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, monogenic mouse models, polygenic mouse models, miceAbstract
Obesity is a complex trait determined by the action of many genetic and environmental factors. The genetic determinants are genes, involved in the control of energy balance, nutrient partitioning, lipid metabolism and behaviour. Central nervous system influences energy balance and body weight. Hypothalamus is a critical region of the brain for regulation of homeostatic processes. The sensory inputs are relayed to regulatory sites in the hypothalamus where the information is integrated and a neuro-humoral response initiated. Various hormones, neuropeptides and neurotransmitters are involved in this regulatory loop. The genetic basis of obesity is mostly polygenic. The development of obesity is controlled by several genomic regions named quantitative trait loci (QTL). Numerous and diverse rodent models of obesity are of great importance for understanding the genetics and physiology of obesity. Several monogenic mouse models have been used successfully to study the effects of single gene mutations on the development of obesity. On the other hand, mouse strains developed by long-term divergent selection for obesity-related traits are very useful models to characterize the complex genetic basis of obesity.
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Copyright (c) 2002 University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty

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