Various hypothalamic nuclei function as central parts of regulators that maintain homeostasis of the organism. Recently, findings have shown that inflammation in the hypothalamus may significantly affect activity of these homeostats and consequently participate in the development of various somatic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cachexia. In addition, hypothalamic inflammation may also affect aging and lifespan. Identification of the causes and mechanisms involved in the development of hypothalamic inflammation creates not only a basis for better understanding of the etiopathogenesis of somatic diseases, but for the development of new therapeutic approaches for their treatment, as well.
Keywords: Aging; Cachexia; Cytokines; Diabetes mellitus; Hypertension; Hypothalamus; Inflammation; Obesity.