The role of BDNF in the central nervous system associated with hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus

• Grant number: 14/15966-0
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Effective date (Start): December 01, 2014
• Effective date (End): January 31, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - General Physiology
• Cooperation agreement: Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES)
• Principal Investigator: Andréa da Silva Torrão
• Grantee: Fernanda Prieto de Almeida
• Home Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/05629-4 - Genomic vs nongenomic actions of thyroid hormones: changes of paradigms, physiological implications and therapeutical perspectives, AP.TEM

Abstract

In the last few years, it has been suggested that deficiency and insulin resistance in the brain may be related to Alzheimer's Disease (AD), suggesting a relationship between AD and Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Besides the relationship between dysfunction of insulin signaling and AD, several studies suggest a modulation of Thyroid Hormones (TH) in insulin signaling and in the function of nervous system, and its deficiency or excess are involved in neurological symptoms. However, little is known about the effects of TH function in the adult nervous system. Moreover, TH seem to modulate neurotrophic factors such as the Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which is essential in regulating the survival, growth and maintenance of neurons. The aim of this study is evaluate the effects of TH treatment in the insulin signaling pathway, involving the BDNF in the brain of diabetic rats. For this, Wistar rats will be injected with alloxan monohydrate (diabetic rats) or citrate and treated with T3 for 30 days. These animals will be tested with a behavioral method for assessing memory changes and the levels of proteins related to insulin and BDNF signaling pathways, as well as other proteins related to survival and maintenance of neurons will be evaluated in the cortex and hippocampus by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry, and the levels of BDNF by ELISA. We believe we can contribute to better understanding of the role of TH function in the adult nervous system. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

PRIETO-ALMEIDA, FERNANDA; PANVELOSKI-COSTA, ANA CAROLINA; CRUNFLI, FERNANDA; TEIXEIRA, SILVANIA DA SILVA; NUNES, MARIA TEREZA; TORRAO, ANDREA DA SILVA. Thyroid hormone improves insulin signaling and reduces the activation of neurodegenerative pathway in the hippocampus of diabetic adult male rats. Life Sciences, v. 192, p. 253-258, JAN 1 2018. Web of Science Citations: 5.

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

ALMEIDA, Fernanda Prieto de. Effects of thyroid hormone T3 in the central nervous system associated with diabetes mellitus induced by alloxan.. 2016. Master's Dissertation - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas São Paulo.