Glucose signaling in the brain and periphery to memory

Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2020 Mar:110:100-113. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.03.018.

Abstract

Glucose has many diverse physiological roles such as energy metabolism, appetite control and memory consolidation. We recently reported that memory-related gene expression is epigenetically controlled in murine brain cells and that glucose can regulate gene expression in a cell-specific manner. However, the literature reviews have indicated that glucose can also regulate gut cells to release incretins which might play a role in memory processes directly or indirectly by vagus nerve stimulation. In this review, we discussed the effects of glucose on the gut and brain, aiming to understand more in-depth the role of glucose in memory function. In addition, we also discussed the alteration of glucose-signaling in type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and a possible link to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathologies.

Keywords: BDNF; Epigenetics; FGF-1; Glucose; Incretins; Memory; Vagus nerve.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism
  • Alzheimer Disease / physiopathology*
  • Animals
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / metabolism
  • Glucose / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Memory / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology

Substances

  • Glucose