Neurogenic obesity and systemic inflammation following spinal cord injury: A review

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2018 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2017.1357104 · Published: January 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Immunology Endocrinology

Simple Explanation

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) leads to reduced metabolism and increased fat accumulation, resulting in neurogenic obesity. This excess fat releases inflammatory substances called adipokines, leading to chronic inflammation and metabolic problems. Exercise may help lessen the negative effects of this inflammation and related health issues in individuals with SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Obesity in SCI leads to chronic inflammation due to proinflammatory adipokines released from excess adipose tissue.
2
Reducing adipose tissue through diet and exercise shows promise in combating neurogenic obesity and related metabolic dysfunction.
3
Proinflammatory adipokines may serve as biomarkers for obesity-related complications in SCI.

Research Summary

SCI results in reduced metabolism, leading to adipose tissue accumulation and neurogenic obesity. Neurogenic obesity causes chronic, systemic inflammation through the overexpression of proinflammatory adipokines. Exercise and dietary interventions may offer protection against neurogenic obesity and related comorbidities in SCI.

Practical Implications

Biomarker Identification

Elevated inflammatory adipokines can be used as biomarkers to identify individuals with SCI at risk for obesity-related complications, enabling early intervention.

Therapeutic Intervention

Dietary and exercise interventions can be used to reduce adipose tissue, potentially mitigating neurogenic obesity and related comorbidities.

Further Research

More mechanistic research is needed to understand the role of proinflammatory adipokines in SCI and the effects of weight loss interventions.

Study Limitations

1
Limited number of proinflammatory adipokines examined in SCI-induced obesity.
2
Inconsistent results in studies evaluating the effects of exercise on reducing proinflammatory adipokines.
3
Lack of research investigating the effects of anti-inflammatory adipokines in obesity following SCI.

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