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Gong G, Ganesan K, Wan Y, Liu Y, Huang Y, Luo Y, Wang X, Zhang Z, Zheng Y. Unveiling the neuroprotective properties of isoflavones: current evidence, molecular mechanisms and future perspectives. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2024:1-37. [PMID: 38794836 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2024.2357701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases encompass a wide range of debilitating and incurable brain disorders characterized by the progressive deterioration of the nervous system's structure and function. Isoflavones, which are naturally occurring polyphenolic phytochemicals, have been found to regulate various cellular signaling pathways associated with the nervous system. The main objective of this comprehensive review is to explore the neuroprotective effects of isoflavones, elucidate the underlying mechanisms, and assess their potential for treating neurodegenerative disorders. Relevant data regarding isoflavones and their impact on neurodegenerative diseases were gathered from multiple library databases and electronic sources, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Science Direct. Numerous isoflavones, including genistein, daidzein, biochanin A, and formononetin, have exhibited potent neuroprotective properties against various neurodegenerative diseases. These compounds have been found to modulate neurotransmitters, which in turn contributes to their ability to protect against neurodegeneration. Both in vitro and in vivo experimental studies have provided evidence of their neuroprotection mechanisms, which involve interactions with estrogenic receptors, antioxidant effects, anti-inflammatory properties, anti-apoptotic activity, and modulation of neural plasticity. This review aims to provide current insights into the neuroprotective characteristics of isoflavones and shed light on their potential therapeutic applications in future clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guowei Gong
- Department of Bioengineering, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai Campus, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, China
| | - Kumar Ganesan
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yukai Wan
- Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaqun Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, China
| | - Yongping Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, China
| | - Yuting Luo
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, China
| | - Xuexu Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, China
| | - Zhenxia Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, China
| | - Yuzhong Zheng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, China
- Guangdong East Drug and Food and Health Branch, Chaozhou, China
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Domínguez-López I, López-Yerena A, Vallverdú-Queralt A, Pallàs M, Lamuela-Raventós RM, Pérez M. From the gut to the brain: the long journey of phenolic compounds with neurocognitive effects. Nutr Rev 2024:nuae034. [PMID: 38687609 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuae034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The human gut microbiota is a complex community of micro-organisms that play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Recent research has shown that gut microbes also have a profound impact on brain function and cognition, leading to the concept of the gut-brain axis. One way in which the gut microbiota can influence the brain is through the bioconversion of polyphenols to other bioactive molecules. Phenolic compounds are a group of natural plant metabolites widely available in the human diet, which have anti-inflammatory and other positive effects on health. Recent studies have also suggested that some gut microbiota-derived phenolic metabolites may have neurocognitive effects, such as improving memory and cognitive function. The specific mechanisms involved are still being studied, but it is believed that phenolic metabolites may modulate neurotransmitter signaling, reduce inflammation, and enhance neural plasticity. Therefore, to exert a protective effect on neurocognition, dietary polyphenols or their metabolites must reach the brain, or act indirectly by producing an increase in bioactive molecules such as neurotransmitters. Once ingested, phenolic compounds are subjected to various processes (eg, metabolization by gut microbiota, absorption, distribution) before they cross the blood-brain barrier, perhaps the most challenging stage of their trajectory. Understanding the role of phenolic compounds in the gut-brain axis has important implications for the development of new therapeutic strategies for neurological and psychiatric disorders. By targeting the gut microbiota and its production of phenolic metabolites, it may be possible to improve brain function and prevent cognitive decline. In this article, the current state of knowledge on the endogenous generation of phenolic metabolites by the gut microbiota and how these compounds can reach the brain and exert neurocognitive effects was reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés Domínguez-López
- Polyphenol Research Group, Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Gastronomy, XIA, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety (INSA-UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Anallely López-Yerena
- Polyphenol Research Group, Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Gastronomy, XIA, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety (INSA-UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Vallverdú-Queralt
- Polyphenol Research Group, Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Gastronomy, XIA, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety (INSA-UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercè Pallàs
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Section and Institute of Neuroscience, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa M Lamuela-Raventós
- Polyphenol Research Group, Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Gastronomy, XIA, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety (INSA-UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Pérez
- Polyphenol Research Group, Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Gastronomy, XIA, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety (INSA-UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Hammond TC, Green SJ, Jacobs Y, Chlipala GE, Xing X, Heil S, Chen A, Aware C, Flemister A, Stromberg A, Balchandani P, Lin AL. Gut microbiome association with brain imaging markers, APOE genotype, calcium and vegetable intakes, and obesity in healthy aging adults. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1227203. [PMID: 37736325 PMCID: PMC10510313 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1227203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Advanced age is a significant factor in changes to brain physiology and cognitive functions. Recent research has highlighted the critical role of the gut microbiome in modulating brain functions during aging, which can be influenced by various factors such as apolipoprotein E (APOE) genetic variance, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, and dietary intake. However, the associations between the gut microbiome and these factors, as well as brain structural, vascular, and metabolic imaging markers, have not been well explored. Methods We recruited 30 community dwelling older adults between age 55-85 in Kentucky. We collected the medical history from the electronic health record as well as the Dietary Screener Questionnaire. We performed APOE genotyping with an oral swab, gut microbiome analysis using metagenomics sequencing, and brain structural, vascular, and metabolic imaging using MRI. Results Individuals with APOE e2 and APOE e4 genotypes had distinct microbiota composition, and higher level of pro-inflammatory microbiota were associated higher BMI and diabetes. In contrast, calcium- and vegetable-rich diets were associated with microbiota that produced short chain fatty acids leading to an anti-inflammatory state. We also found that important gut microbial butyrate producers were correlated with the volume of the thalamus and corpus callosum, which are regions of the brain responsible for relaying and processing information. Additionally, putative proinflammatory species were negatively correlated with GABA production, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Furthermore, we observed that the relative abundance of bacteria from the family Eggerthellaceae, equol producers, was correlated with white matter integrity in tracts connecting the brain regions related to language, memory, and learning. Discussion These findings highlight the importance of gut microbiome association with brain health in aging population and could have important implications aimed at optimizing healthy brain aging through precision prebiotic, probiotic or dietary interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler C. Hammond
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Stefan J. Green
- Genomics and Microbiome Core Facility, Rush University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Yael Jacobs
- BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - George E. Chlipala
- Research Informatics Core, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Xin Xing
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
- Department of Computer Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
- Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Radiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Sally Heil
- School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Anna Chen
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Chetan Aware
- Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Radiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Abeoseh Flemister
- Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Radiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Arnold Stromberg
- Dr. Bing Zhang Department of Statistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Priti Balchandani
- BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ai-Ling Lin
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
- Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Radiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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Dietary Phytoestrogen Intake and Cognitive Status in Southern Italian Older Adults. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12060760. [PMID: 35740885 PMCID: PMC9221352 DOI: 10.3390/biom12060760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Aging society faces significant health challenges, among which cognitive-related disorders are emerging. Diet quality has been recognized among the major contributors to the rising prevalence of cognitive disorders, with increasing evidence of the putative role of plant-based foods and their bioactive components, including polyphenols. Dietary polyphenols, including phytoestrogens, have been hypothesized to exert beneficial effects toward brain health through various molecular mechanisms. However, the evidence on the association between dietary phytoestrogen intake and cognitive function is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between phytoestrogen intake and cognitive status in a cohort of older adults living in Sicily, Southern Italy. Methods: Dietary information from 883 individuals aged 50 years or older was collected through a validated food frequency questionnaire. Cognitive status was assessed through the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. Results: The highest total isoflavone (including daidzein and genistein) intake was inversely associated with cognitive impairment compared to the lowest (odds ratio (OR) = 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.20–0.92). Higher intake of total lignans and, consistently, all individual compounds (with the exception of secoisolariciresinol) were inversely associated with cognitive impairment only in the unadjusted model. Conclusions: A higher intake of phytoestrogens, especially isoflavones, was associated with a better cognitive status in a cohort of older Italian individuals living in Sicily. Taking into account the very low intake of isoflavones in Italian diets, it is noteworthy to further investigate selected populations with habitual consumption of such compounds to test whether these results may be generalized to the Italian population.
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Maphis NM, Huffman RT, Linsenbardt DN. The development, but not expression, of alcohol front-loading in C57BL/6J mice maintained on LabDiet 5001 is abolished by maintenance on Teklad 2920x rodent diet. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2022; 46:1321-1330. [PMID: 35633038 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive alcohol (ethanol) consumption, such as binge drinking, is extremely commonplace and represents a major health concern. Through modeling excessive drinking in rodents, we are beginning to uncover the neurobiological and neurobehavioral causes and consequences of this pattern of ethanol intake. One important factor for modeling binge drinking in mice is that they reliably drink to blood ethanol concentrations (BECs) of 80 mg/dl or higher. Drinking-in-the-dark (DID) is a commonly used mouse model of binge drinking, and we have shown that this method reliably results in robust ethanol front-loading and binge-level BECs in C57BL/6J (B6) mice and other ethanol-preferring mouse strains/lines. However, establishing the DID model in a new vivarium space forced us to consider the use of rodent diet formulations that we had not previously used. METHODS The current set of experiments were designed to investigate the role of two standard rodent diet formulations on binge drinking and the development of ethanol front-loading using DID. RESULTS We found that BECs in animals maintained on LabDiet 5001 (LD01) were double those found in mice maintained on Teklad 2920x (TL20). Interestingly, this effect was paralleled by differences in the degree of front-loading, such that LD01-fed mice consumed approximately twice as much ethanol in the first 15 min of the 2-h DID sessions as the TL20-fed mice. Surprisingly, however, mice that developed front-loading during maintenance on the LD01 diet continued to display front-loading behavior after being switched to the TL20 diet. CONCLUSIONS These data emphasize the importance of choosing and reporting diet formulations when conducting voluntary drinking studies and support the need for further investigation into the mechanisms behind diet-induced differences in binge drinking, particularly front-loading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Maphis
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Radcliff T Huffman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - David N Linsenbardt
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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The Potential Effects of Phytoestrogens: The Role in Neuroprotection. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26102954. [PMID: 34065647 PMCID: PMC8156305 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26102954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring non-steroidal phenolic plant compounds. Their structure is similar to 17-β-estradiol, the main female sex hormone. This review offers a concise summary of the current literature on several potential health benefits of phytoestrogens, mainly their neuroprotective effect. Phytoestrogens lower the risk of menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis, as well as cardiovascular disease. They also reduce the risk of brain disease. The effects of phytoestrogens and their derivatives on cancer are mainly due to the inhibition of estrogen synthesis and metabolism, leading to antiangiogenic, antimetastatic, and epigenetic effects. The brain controls the secretion of estrogen (hypothalamus-pituitary-gonads axis). However, it has not been unequivocally established whether estrogen therapy has a neuroprotective effect on brain function. The neuroprotective effects of phytoestrogens seem to be related to both their antioxidant properties and interaction with the estrogen receptor. The possible effects of phytoestrogens on the thyroid cause some concern; nevertheless, generally, no serious side effects have been reported, and these compounds can be recommended as health-promoting food components or supplements.
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Petrine JCP, Del Bianco-Borges B. The influence of phytoestrogens on different physiological and pathological processes: An overview. Phytother Res 2020; 35:180-197. [PMID: 32780464 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Functional foods have nutritional properties and organic functions, which are beneficial to health. Certain types of functional food components are so-called phytoestrogens, non-steroidal compounds derived from the metabolism of precursors contained in plants, which originate secondary metabotypes known to induce biological responses and by mimicry or modulating the action of endogenous estrogen. These molecules are involved in several physiological and pathological processes related to reproduction, bone remodeling, skin, cardiovascular, nervous, immune systems, and metabolism. This review aimed to present an overview of phytoestrogens regarding their chemical structure, actions, and effects in the organism given several pathologies. Several studies have demonstrated beneficial phytoestrogen actions, such as lipid profile improvement, cognitive function, menopause, oxidative stress, among others. Phytoestrogens effects are not completely elucidated, being necessary future research to understand the exact action mechanisms, whether they are via estrogen receptor or whether other hidden mechanisms produce these effects. Thus, this review makes a general approach to the phytoestrogen actions, beneficial effects, risk and limitations. However, the complexities of biological effects after ingestion of phytoestrogens and the differences in their metabolism and bioavailability indicate that interpretation of either risk or benefits needs to be made with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica C P Petrine
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Brasil
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