Cited by 1,612Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology ResearchMetabolism, Diabetes, and CancerNeurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms

Sugar for the brain: the role of glucose in physiological and pathological brain function

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Mergenthaler, Philipp, Lindauer, Ute, Dienel, Gerald A., Meisel, Andreas·2013·Trends in Neurosciences

Abstract

The mammalian brain depends upon glucose as its main source of energy, and tight regulation of glucose metabolism is critical for brain physiology. Consistent with its critical role for physiological brain function, disruption of normal glucose metabolism as well as its interdependence with cell death pathways forms the pathophysiological basis for many brain disorders. Here, we review recent advances in understanding how glucose metabolism sustains basic brain physiology. We synthesize these findings to form a comprehensive picture of the cooperation required between different systems and cell types, and the specific breakdowns in this cooperation that lead to disease.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.tins.2013.07.001

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  • The brain consumes 20% of the body's oxygen and energy supplies.

    “Although it makes up just 2% of body weight, the brain consumes 20% of the body's oxygen and energy supplies.102”

    From 2023 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures (2023) · cites this paper as [102]

    The “Glucose metabolism: fueling the brain” section (page unavailable) says the human brain is about 2% of body weight and consumes about 20% of glucose-derived energy. The paper discusses oxygen consumption, but does not state that the brain consumes 20% of the body’s oxygen supply. (LLM, conf=0.88)

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Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. [2]Erbsloh F [The glucose consumption of the brain & its dependence on the liver] Arch Psychiatr Nervenkr Z Gesamte Neurol Psychiatr 1958 196 611 626 13534602

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Authors
Mergenthaler, P., Lindauer, U., Dienel, G. A., & Meisel, A.
Affiliations
  • Stiftung Charité (DE)
  • TUM Klinikum (DE)
  • University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (US)
Corresponding author
Mergenthaler, Philipp
Venue
Trends in Neurosciences
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2013-10
Volume
36
Issue
10
Pages
587-597
ISSN
0166-2236 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2048893204
Cited by
1,612
References
110
Citations by year
2026: 125 · 2025: 172 · 2024: 194 · 2023: 196 · 2022: 173 · 2021: 188 · 2020: 153 · 2019: 117 · 2018: 102 · 2017: 97 · 2016: 51 · 2015: 27 · 2014: 12 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 1
FWCI
3.18
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Trends in Neurosciences (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
  • mediaTUM (Technical University of Munich) (submittedVersion)
Funders
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (DK081936, R01DK081936)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Metabolism, Diabetes, and Cancer
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Developmental Neuroscience › Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms
Keywords
glucose metabolism, brain energy metabolism, brain physiology, brain disorders, cell death pathways, glucose regulation, neurodegeneration, brain energy supply
MeSH terms
Animals, Brain, Energy Metabolism, Glucose, Humans

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