The Link Between Metabolic Dysregulation and Neuropathologies
Dominic D’Agostino is an associate professor at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. With a diverse academic background, including a bachelor of science in biological sciences and nutrition science from Rutgers University and a PhD in neuroscience and physiology from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Dominic D’Agostino focuses on metabolic-based therapies such as keto nutrition, ketone ester, ketone research, ketone supplementation and ketone technologies, including therapeutic ketosis, to treat neuropathologies linked to metabolic dysregulation.
Metabolic dysregulation refers to the disruption of normal metabolic processes in the body, including impaired glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, and abnormal lipid metabolism. One of the key factors contributing to this link is the role of energy metabolism in maintaining proper neuronal function. Neurons are highly energy-demanding cells that rely heavily on glucose as a fuel source. Therefore, impaired glucose metabolism can lead to energy deficits within the brain, compromising neuronal function and increasing susceptibility to neurodegenerative processes.
Insulin resistance, often associated with metabolic disorders like obesity and type two diabetes, has also been implicated in neuropathologies. Besides glucose regulation, insulin plays essential roles in neuronal signaling, synaptic plasticity, and the clearance of toxic protein aggregates. When insulin signaling is impaired, it can disrupt these crucial processes and contribute to the accumulation of abnormal proteins, neuroinflammation, and neuronal damage.
Abnormal lipid metabolism, characterized by elevated levels of circulating lipids and impaired lipid clearance, has also been linked to neurodegenerative disorders. Lipids play essential roles in maintaining the integrity of neuronal membranes, supporting synaptic function, and providing a source of energy. Dysregulation of lipid metabolism can disrupt these processes, leading to neuronal dysfunction and neurodegeneration.
Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in metabolic dysregulation can worsen neuronal damage and contribute to neuropathology progression. Inflammation and reactive oxygen species can lead to toxic protein buildup, hinder cellular repair, and cause neuronal cell death. For more information on the neuroprotective effects of metabolic therapies see ketonutrition.org website.
