João Vieira's work was entitled “Metabolic consequences of diet-induced insulin resistance on plasma metabolites and insulin-dependent regulation of brain energy metabolism“. Enming Zhang and Peter Spégel were reviewers at the half-time review.

Abstract for the announcement:

Obesity substantially increases the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and stroke. A profound perturbation of the blood metabolite levels is expected in obesity models. Using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry as metabolomics tools, we aim at identifying metabolite concentration shifts in blood of individuals developing vascular dementia upon obesity or diabetes, during the development of obesity in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice, as well as during recovery after experimental stroke. Unbiased metabolomics will contribute to a comprehensive characterization of metabolic signatures, and open ways for the establishment of new tools for predicting comorbidities associated to obesity and T2D.

On the other hand, obesogenic diets lead to insulin resistance, and brain insulin signalling is likely impaired. Insulin signalling is necessary for normal brain function, and diet-induced insulin resistance contributes to neurological complications of diabetes. In HFD-fed mice, we further investigate brain insulin signalling, and aim at understanding how insulin resistance in brain cells leads to shifts in brain energy metabolism. By understanding the loss of metabolic control by insulin in the brain, we might identify new ways to afford neuroprotection.