Project Summary:

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a global health concern in both humans and animals, characterized by a cluster of metabolic abnormalities including hypertension, insulin resistance, central obesity, and dyslipidemia. Despite its widespread prevalence and its strong association with cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying MetS—particularly its neurobiological impacts—remain incompletely understood.

Tanycytes, specialized glial cells located in the hypothalamus, play a pivotal role in regulating energy homeostasis and metabolic signaling. However, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding how MetS affects the structure and function of these cells. This project aims to fill this gap by investigating the histological and immunohistochemical alterations in tanycytes under MetS conditions using Wistar Albino rat models known for their susceptibility to diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance.

The study will focus on the expression patterns of five key molecular markers—Insulin Receptor (IR), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript (CART), and Adiponectin Receptor (AdipoR)—all of which are involved in metabolic regulation, inflammation, and neuronal plasticity. These markers will be analyzed in tanycytes to determine how MetS influences their expression and to reveal their potential contribution to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders.

Histological evaluations will be performed using classical staining techniques, while immunohistochemical labeling will provide insights into protein expression levels in hypothalamic tanycytes. Additionally, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) will be employed to visualize ultrastructural changes, offering a comprehensive approach that integrates morphological, molecular, and cellular data.

This project is one of the first in Turkey to investigate the role of tanycytes in MetS, providing novel insights into glial involvement in metabolic dysfunction. It will not only contribute to the veterinary medicine literature by elucidating mechanisms relevant to companion animals like cats (which share MetS-related pathologies with humans), but also offer findings that could have translational relevance for human health.

Research Question:

What role do tanycytes play in the progression of metabolic syndrome, and how does MetS affect the expression levels of IR, TNF-α, BDNF, CART, and AdipoR in these cells?

Hypothesis:

H0: Metabolic syndrome does not affect the expression levels of IR, TNF-α, BDNF, CART, and AdipoR in tanycytes.

H1: Metabolic syndrome significantly alters the expression levels of IR, TNF-α, BDNF, CART, and AdipoR in tanycytes.