ABSTRACT
AMPK is a cellular gauge that is activated under conditions of low energy, increasing energy production and reducing energy waste. Current evidence links hypothalamic AMPK with the central regulation of energy balance. However, it is unclear whether targeting hypothalamic AMPK has beneficial effects in obesity. Here, we show that genetic inhibition of AMPK in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) protects against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity by increasing brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis and subsequently energy expenditure. Notably, this effect depends upon the AMPKα1 isoform in steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1) neurons of the VMH, since mice bearing selective ablation of AMPKα1 in SF1 neurons display resistance to diet-induced obesity, increased BAT thermogenesis, browning of white adipose tissue, and improved glucose and lipid homeostasis. Overall, our findings point to hypothalamic AMPK in specific neuronal populations as a potential druggable target for the treatment of obesity and associated metabolic disorders.
Subject(s)
AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism , Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects , Neurons/metabolism , Obesity/metabolism , RNA Splicing Factors/metabolism , Ventromedial Hypothalamic Nucleus/metabolism , AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics , Adipose Tissue, Brown/metabolism , Animals , Body Composition/physiology , Energy Metabolism/physiology , Male , Obesity/etiology , Obesity/genetics , Oxygen Consumption/physiology , Rats , Rats, Sprague-DawleyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The progression of occupational science in Chile is documented in the main scientific publication of the field, the Chilean Journal of Occupational Therapy (RChTO). OBJECTIVE: Identify approaches to understanding and applying occupation and occupational science as elucidated in the RChTO. METHODOLOGY: A systematic qualitative review of the journal (2001-2012) identified articles elucidating an approach to understanding and application operationally defined as references to specific authors, theories, models/paradigms, definitions, and other fields that support approaches to O/OS. RESULTS: The study identified two main approaches. The first considers occupation/occupational science from a practical perspective or as a means to explain human behavior; the second considers occupation/occupational science as an object of study. Each approach is further divided into categories. CONCLUSION: This study provides a novel perspective on regional use of occupational science concepts. These findings contribute to our understanding of this science in context and to recognition of the cultural relevance of these scientific concepts.
