The hypothalamus produces an endogenous membrane Na(+)-K+
ATPase inhibitor and regulator of neurotransmission,
digoxin.
Digoxin, a steroidal
glycoside, is synthesized by the
isoprenoid pathway. In view of the reports of elevated
digoxin levels in
metabolic syndrome X with high body mass index, the
isoprenoid-mediated pathway biochemical cascade was assessed in individuals with high and low body mass index. It was also assessed in individuals with differing hemispheric dominance to find out the relationship among
digoxin status, body mass index, and hemispheric dominance. The
isoprenoid pathway metabolites,
tryptophan/
tyrosine catabolic patterns,
glycoconjugate, and
free radical metabolism, as well as membrane composition, were assessed. In individuals with high body mass index, an upregulated
isoprenoid pathway with increased
digoxin levels, increased
glycoconjugates, and
dolichol levels, reduced lysosomal stability, low
ubiquinone levels with increased
free radical generation, and increased membrane
cholesterol:
phospholipid ratio were observed. The reverse patterns were seen in individuals with a low body mass index. The patterns in individuals with a high body mass index and low body mass index correlated with right hemispheric dominance and left hemispheric dominance, respectively. Hemispheric dominance and
digoxin status regulated the differential metabolic pattern observed in individuals with high and low body mass index. Hypothalamic
digoxin/cerebral dominance can regulate the metabolic/endocrine function, as well as the structure/function of cellular organalle.