Metabolism revisited

Abstract

Metabolism revisitedMetabolism, disrupted metabolic function, and the pathophysiology of aberrant body weight states are classics of physiological research and non-negotiables in most medical school curricula. Let us quickly revisit current topics in this wide area, stay up to date, and have a look at recently published articles in Acta Physiologica.Dietary strategies are usually the first and most recommended lifestyle adaptations in the management of metabolic syndrome, high triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol, including a recommended primary intake of complex carbs, proteins, and monounsaturated fats, mainly from plant-based sources. 1 Metabolic syndrome spectrum pathophysiology is characterized by a reduced metabolic reserve and flexibility, that is, an impaired ability to adequately respond to changing metabolic demands, as is the case in insulin resistance and impaired fuel selection between glucose and fatty acids in obesity and type 2 diabetes, respectively. 2 Kutz et al. 3 recently elucidated the role of Na/K-ATPase (NKA)-mediated regulation of Src kinase in the regulation of metabolic capacity, which can, interestingly, be targeted pharmacologically. Dos Santos et al. 4 investigate the influence of macronutrient on the insulinto-glucagon ratio in healthy and diabetic individuals, which is a more sufficient parameter than either insulin or glucagon levels alone. 5 Their results are in favor of the lowcarb approach to weight loss in overweight individuals. Another interesting observation comes from a study done by Popov et al., who showed how a high-fat diet, which is in other context considered harmful, actually enhances the size and function of astrocytes and promotes synaptic plasticity, 6 thus leaving the scientific community with a lot of food for thought, as to, for example, in which contexts dietary-induced changes in astrocytic morphology and function would be beneficial or detrimental. 7 Desmet et al., in a recent study, describe how chronic jetlag, as occurs frequent time zone traveling, actually disrupts rhythmicity in gut function, with potential negative metabolic consequences, for example, an alteration of the food intake pattern and involuntary body weight gain. 8 Shibayama et al. recently investigated how hepatic glucocorticoid receptors are stabilized during starvation periods, an important step in elucidating the transcriptional control of nuclear receptors in physiological fasting-feeding cycles. 9