Astrocytes, the predominant glial cell type in the mammalian brain, influence a wide variety of brain parameters including neuronal energy metabolism. Exciting recent studies have shown that obesity and diabetes can impact on astrocyte function. We review evidence that dysregulation of astrocytic lipid metabolism and glucose sensing contributes to dysregulation of whole-body energy balance, thermoregulation, and insulin sensitivity. In addition, we consider the overlooked topic of the sex-specific roles of astrocytes and their response to hormonal fluctuations that provide insights into sex differences in metabolic regulation. Finally, we provide an update on potential ways to manipulate astrocyte function, including genetic targeting, optogenetic and chemogenetic techniques, transplantation, and tailored exosome-based therapies, which may lead to improved treatments for metabolic disease.

中文翻译：

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星形胶质细胞参与代谢调节和疾病。


星形胶质细胞是哺乳动物大脑中的主要神经胶质细胞类型，影响多种大脑参数，包括神经元能量代谢。最近令人兴奋的研究表明，肥胖和糖尿病会影响星形胶质细胞的功能。我们回顾了星形胶质细胞脂质代谢和葡萄糖传感失调导致全身能量平衡、体温调节和胰岛素敏感性失调的证据。此外，我们还考虑了星形胶质细胞的性别特异性作用及其对激素波动的反应这一被忽视的话题，这为了解代谢调节中的性别差异提供了见解。最后，我们提供了操纵星形胶质细胞功能的潜在方法的最新信息，包括遗传靶向、光遗传学和化学遗传学技术、移植和基于外泌体的定制疗法，这可能会改善代谢疾病的治疗。