Dear Colleagues,

The brain processes peripheral metabolic signals, including hormones, metabolites, and cytokines from body organs such as the liver, gut, and adipose tissue. The integration of these signals contributes to maintaining brain energy balance, but it is also essential for brain functions including control of movement, cognition, affect, memory, and regulation of basic bodily functions such as respiration and cardiac activity. For example, peripheral signals influence behaviors related to eating and energy expenditure by activating specific neurons in the hypothalamus, which control the autonomic and neuroendocrine systems. Peripheral signal molecules such as nutrients, hormones (leptin and insulin), and other metabolic factors convey the body's energy status to the brain. The brain responds to these molecules with changes that make it possible to optimally adapt behavioral manifestations and adjust peripheral metabolism.

Disruptions in peripheral metabolic signals have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases including neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, as well as mental diseases such as depressive disorders and schizophrenia. Conditions such as the metabolic syndrome, obesity and type 2 diabetes associated with insulin resistance, can disrupt this mutual communication between the periphery and the brain. As a result, inflammation, oxidative stress, and altered brain metabolism contribute to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Investigating these metabolic-brain interactions presents opportunities for early detection and innovative treatments for a wide range of neurological and metabolic conditions and their comorbidities.

Therefore, the main goal of this topic is to provide the reader with a wide overview of current knowledge in this “hot” field, imperative for both fundamental and translational neuroscience, as well as fundamental and clinical medicine. We welcome original research reports (both experimental and clinical), review articles, communications, and perspectives dealing with peripheral metabolic signals which affect brain function.

Prof. Dr. Natalia Gulyaeva
Guest Editor