Editor's Choice
Main Category: Depression
Also Included In: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness;Â Â Psychology / Psychiatry
Article Date: 28 May 2012 - 15:00 PDT
email to a friend  
printer friendly  
opinions  <!-- 
rate article Patient / Public:
Healthcare Prof: Scientists affiliated with Montreal's University Hospital Research Centre (CR-CHUM) and the university's Faculty of Medicine are undertaking an advanced neuro-scientific study which may be able to shed light on the line in the Austin Powers' film "I eat because I'm depressed and I'm depressed because I eat".
In the April 17 issue of the International Journal of Obesity, Stephanie Fulton and Sandeep Sharma published a study entitled 'Diet-induced obesity promoted depressive-like behavior that is associated with neural adaptations in brain reward circuitry', which explains the relationship between high-fat diets and depressive symptoms.
Dr. Fulton explains: "In addition to causing obesity, rich foods can actually cause chemical reactions in the brain in a similar way to illicit drugs, ultimately leading to depression as the 'come-downs' take their toll."
It is the start of a vicious circle when 'food-highs' are used as a means to tackle depression. The process is comparable to that of drug addicts.
Fulton declares:
"Data shows that obesity is associated with increased risk of developing depression, but we have very little understanding of the neural mechanisms and brain reward patterns that link the two. We are demonstrating for the first time that the chronic consumption of palatable, high-fat diets has pro-depressive effects."
Dopamine is a chemical molecule in the brain of animals and humans that controls the brain's reward and pleasure centers. It enables people to not only see rewards but also to take action to move towards them by encouraging individuals to learn certain kinds of behavior.
The researchers fed different kinds of food to mice and monitored the food's impact on the animals' behavior. They used various scientifically proven techniques whilst contributing to improve them in order to assess the link between food rewards in mice and the animals' subsequent behavior and emotions. Their experiment is demonstrated in a video. They also examine the mice' brains in order to note any changes.
They observed that mice that received a higher-fat diet showed signs of being anxious by avoiding open areas, as well as signs of depression, given that they made less effort in trying to escape when trapped. They also observed that the experiences physically altered the animals' brains.
For instance, CREB, a molecule that controls the activation of genes involved in brain function is much more activated in the brains of mice that had a higher-fat diet. CREB is also widely recognized for contributing to memory function. The team also noted that mice on a higher fat diet exhibit higher corticosterone levels, which is a hormone linked to stress.


Fulton and her team are collaborating closely with other research networks in order to shed more light on the biological reasons for obesity and obesity related diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, some types of cancer as well as depression.
Fulton declares:
"Although popular culture jokes about these illnesses and even mocks the people who are suffering, obesity is a serious and major public health issue that already affects hundreds of millions of people. As a society, we must avoid creating stigma and discriminating against obese and depressed people. With regards to research, it is urgent that we identify the molecules and neural pathways involved in obesity and obesity-related illnesses. My colleagues and I are committed to identifying the brain circuitry involved in these diseases and to improving the tools available to researchers working in the same field."
Written By Petra Rattue
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today
- Additional
- References
- Citations
MLA
APA
Please note: If no author information is provided, the source is cited instead.
Add Your Opinion On This Article
'Exploring The Relationship Between Depressive Symptoms And High-Fat Diets'Please note that we publish your name, but we do not publish your email address. It is only used to let you know when your message is published. We do not use it for any other purpose. Please see our privacy policy for more information.
If you write about specific medications or operations, please do not name health care professionals by name.
All opinions are moderated before being included (to stop spam)
Contact Our News Editors
For any corrections of factual information, or to contact the editors please use our feedback form.
Please send any medical news or health news press releases to:
Note: Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. For more information, please read our terms and conditions.
Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions
MediLexicon International Ltd
Bexhill-on-Sea, United Kingdom
MediLexicon International Ltd © 2004-2012 All rights reserved.
MNT (logo) is the registered EU trade mark of MediLexicon Int. Limited.
back to top | home | privacy policy
MediLexicon International LtdBexhill-on-Sea, United Kingdom
MediLexicon International Ltd © 2004-2012 All rights reserved.
MNT (logo) is the registered EU trade mark of MediLexicon Int. Limited.
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar