Neuroprotection in metabolic syndrome by environmental enrichment. A lifespan perspective

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined by the concurrence of different metabolic conditions: obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia. Its incidence has been increasingly rising over the past decades and has become a global health problem. MetS has deleterious consequences on the central nervous system (CNS) and neurological development. MetS can last several years or be lifelong, affecting the CNS in different ways and treatments can help manage condition, though there is no known cure. The early childhood years are extremely important in neurodevelopment, which extends beyond, encompassing a lifetime. Neuroplastic changes take place all life through - childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age - are highly sensitive to environmental input. Environmental factors have an important role in the etiopathogenesis and treatment of MetS, so environmental enrichment (EE) stands as a promising non-invasive therapeutic approach. While the EE paradigm has been designed for animal housing, its principles can be and actually are applied in cognitive, sensory, social, and physical stimulation programs for humans. Here, we briefly review the central milestones in neurodevelopment at each life stage, along with the research studies carried out on how MetS affects neurodevelopment at each life stage and the contributions that EE models can provide to improve health over the lifespan.

Automated summary

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of metabolic conditions, including obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia, and its incidence has been increasingly rising globally. MetS has detrimental effects on the central nervous system and neurological development. Environmental enrichment (EE) stands as a promising non-invasive therapeutic approach for MetS, as it has been shown to improve health across the lifespan by promoting neuroplasticity. This article provides a brief overview of the milestones in neurodevelopment at each life stage, the impact of MetS on neurodevelopment, and the potential benefits of EE in managing MetS.