Brain and Hormone Interplay for Regulating Intake and Metabolism of Foods and Nutrients: Impact of Food Ingredients and Diet

Dear Colleagues,

Foods and nutrients regulate the metabolism and functions of the body. In this process, the food/nutrient-driven endocrine system talks to the brain. Subsequently, the brain and hormones cooperate to signal to the peripheral organs for the utilization of foods/nutrients and to regulate the intake of foods/nutrients.

Hormones secreted in response to the intake of foods/nutrients inform the brain via the tanycyte and blood–brain barrier (BBB) pathways. The brain controls nutrient metabolism, feeding, and circadian behaviors.

Brain and hormone interplay plays a crucial role in the physiological regulation of eating behavior and metabolism. Furthermore, its disorder leads to metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, anorexia, and dementia, some of which suffer from a shortage of effective treatments.

Recently, new types of medicines, such as herbal medicines, and a variety of foods, including cacao and rare sugars, have been shown to ameliorate some metabolic diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms are often obscure, which has limited their use for treating diseases. The mechanisms potentially involve brain–hormone interplay.

This Special Issue of Nutrients deals with the brain–hormone Interplay regulating the intake and metabolism of foods/nutrients and the impacts of diets, foods, and natural active ingredients on them. Basic to clinical studies at the molecular to systemic level in all species are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Toshihiko Yada
Guest Editor

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