Astrocytes and microglia are two types of immune cells in the brain. They are similar to macrophages, found in the blood, that play a part in inflammation.
The brain’s hypothalamic region is responsible for regulating metabolic functions that control weight and blood sugar.
The University of Otago researchers hypothesized that gluten-induced hypothalamic inflammation can lead to brain damage, body weight gain, and impaired blood glucose regulation.
In turn, these conditions may increase the risk of impaired memory function.
While this research was conducted in mice, Dr. Tups noted that mice and humans share several common physiological factors.
“Mice […] have a very similar circulatory, reproductive, digestive, hormonal, and nervous system. So, it is quite possible that the same inflammation we found in mice could happen in humans,” he told us.