Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging and immunofluorescence reveal the anti-inflammatory effects of an obesity treatment in mice

Motivation: Obesity is a prevalent pathology that has a negative impact on human health. The cerebral changes that underly its development and treatment are under current investigation, and could be key in determining the fate of this disease. Goal(s): To reveal the mouse brain changes underlying obesity development and treatment. Approach: In vivo MRI and ex vivo immunofluorescence of the brain of obese or lean animals, before and after treatment with celastrol, a pre-clinical compound that induces body weight loss. Results: In vivo diffusion tensor parameters and ex vivo markers of microglisis and astrocytosis consistent with obesity-induced neuroinflammation that are reversed with celastrol. Impact: The standardization of MRI techniques that could reveal the brain changes underlying obesity development and treatment could boost the development of improved anti-obesity drugs and the understanding of its action mechanisms.