RT journal article
T1 Perspective for Modulation of Hypothalamic Neurogenesis: Integrating Anatomical Insights with Exercise and Dietary Interventions
A1 Choquet de Isla, Javier
A1 Bandez Ruiz, Manuel Jesús
A1 Rosety Rodríguez, Ignacio
A1 Pérez López,  Inmaculada Concepción
A1 Rosety Rodríguez, Miguel Ángel
A1 Verástegui Escolano, Cristina
A1 Sánchez Gomar, Ismael
A1 Geribaldi Doldán, Noelia
A2 Anatomía y Embriología Humana
A2 BiomedicinaBiotecnología y Salud Pública
A2 Didáctica de la Educación FísicaPlástica y Musical
K1 hypothalamus
K1 neurogenesis
K1 anatomy
K1 nutraceuticals
K1 metabolism
K1 neural stem cells
K1 tanycytes
AB Adult neurogenesis is well established in canonical niches—the dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone, where aerobic exercise reliably enhances progenitor proliferation, survival, and synaptic integration via increased cerebral blood flow, neurotrophins (e.g., BDNF, IGF-1), neurotransmitter regulation, and reduced neuroinflammation. Nutraceuticals (e.g., polyphenols, omega-3, creatine, vitamins) further support neuroplasticity and neuronal survival through convergent trophic, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic pathways. By contrast, the hypothalamus, a metabolically pivotal, non-canonical niche, remains comparatively understudied. Here, we synthesize anatomical and functional features of hypothalamic neural stem cells, primarily tanycytes (α1, α2, β1, β2), which line the third ventricle and differentially contribute to neuronal activity regulation, metabolic signaling, and cerebrospinal fluid–portal vasculature coupling, thereby linking neurogenesis to endocrine control. Notably, tanycytes can form neurospheres in vitro, enabling mechanistic interrogation. Although evidence for adult hypothalamic neurogenesis in humans is debated due to methodological constraints, animal data suggest potential relevance to disorders characterized by neuronal loss, metabolic dysregulation, and impaired neuroendocrine function. We propose that an integrative framework is timely: exercise and diet likely interact in the hypothalamic niche through shared mediators (BDNF, IGF-1, CNTF, GPR40) and exercise-derived signals (e.g., lactate, IL-6) that may be complemented by defined nutraceuticals. Yet critical uncertainties persist, including the extent of bona fide hypothalamic neurogenesis, nucleus-specific responses (arcuate nucleus, paraventricular nucleus, ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus), and the mechanistic integration of lifestyle signals in this region. To address these gaps, we outline actionable priorities: (i) single-cell and lineage-tracing studies of tanycyte subtypes under distinct training modalities (aerobic, high-intensity interval training, resistance); (ii) combinatorial interventions pairing structured exercise with nutraceuticals to test synergy on progenitor dynamics and inflammation; and (iii) multi-omics and translational studies to identify biomarkers and establish clinical relevance. Clarifying these interactions will determine whether lifestyle and supplementation strategies can synergistically modulate hypothalamic neurogenesis and inform therapies for neurological, neuropsychiatric, and metabolic disorders.
PB MDPI (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute)
SN 1422-0067
YR 2025
FD 2025-11-11
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10498/38466
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10498/38466
LA eng
NO Este artículo es una revisión científica que analiza la neurogénesis en el hipotálamo y cómo puede ser modulada por ejercicio físico y dieta. Los autores integran conocimientos anatómicos y moleculares sobre células madre neuronales hipotalámicas y su papel en la regulación metabólica y endocrina. Se describen mecanismos de acción de factores como BDNF, IGF‑1 y otros mediadores, y se discute la evidencia en animales y su posible relevancia en humanos. La revisión también señala líneas de investigación futuras, incluyendo estudios combinados de ejercicio y nutracéuticos, y el potencial de estas estrategias para intervenir en trastornos neurológicos, neuropsiquiátricos y metabólicos.
NO Programa Operativo FEDER Andalucía 2021–2027, y por la Consejería de Universidad, Investigación e Innovación de la Junta de Andalucía (FEDER-UCA-2024-A1-34).
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Cádiz
RD 06-nov-2026