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Insulin resistance (IR) has traditionally been studied in the context of metabolic disorders, most notably type 2 diabetes, but growing evidence suggests that IR also plays a crucial role in cognitive decline and neuropsychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia. My research explores this emerging intersection between metabolic health and brain function by developing a fast acting IR rat model using a high fructose diet. To investigate the possibility of early behavioral deficits resulting from IR, we conducted a series of behavioral tests assessing anxiety as well as learning and memory.
Building on this foundation, I also designed a follow-up series of experiments for the upcoming academic year. One area I plan to explore is how hypoinsulinemia (a late-stage consequence of IR) impairs serotonin synthesis, a neurotransmitter closely tied to mood and cognition. In addition, I aim to investigate how IR may degrade the blood-brain barrier, potentially allowing harmful substances to enter the brain. This includes monitoring astrocyte end-feet and tight junction integrity to assess broader deterioration of the barrier. This work seeks to clarify how systemic metabolic dysfunction can have far-reaching consequences for brain health.