Impact of malondialdehyde on cognitive dysfunction in obesity

Abstract

© 2015 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. The incidence and level of obesity has increased dramatically in many countries around the world. Obesity escalates the risk of increased oxidative stress, which is believed to be one of the major underlying causes of many pathological conditions including insulin resistance, type II diabetes mellitus and cognitive decline. Malondialdehyde acts as a biomarker for oxidative stress. There is a great deal of evidence to show the impact of the involvement of malondialdehyde in many pathological conditions. This chapter focuses on the role of malondialdehyde in the development of insulin resistance in obesity. Recent research in obese models has shown that increased oxidative stress can also lead to brain insulin resistance in addition to peripheral insulin resistance. The impairment of brain insulin sensitivity has been strongly implicated in the development of cognitive decline. This chapter also comprehensively summarizes the pathophysiological roles of malondialdehyde and its impact on cognitive function in obesity.