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Walaszek M, Kachlik Z, Cubała WJ. Low-carbohydrate diet as a nutritional intervention in a major depression disorder: focus on relapse prevention. Nutr Neurosci 2024; 27:1185-1198. [PMID: 38245881 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2024.2303218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mood disorders are trending to be among the leading causes of years lived with disability. Despite multiple treatment options, around 30% patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) develop treatment resistant depression (TRD) and fail to respond to current pharmacological therapies. This study aimed to explore the potential benefits of nutritional treatment strategies, along with their molecular mechanisms of action, focusing especially on low-carbohydrate diet (LCHD), ketogenic diet (KD) and other strategies based on carbohydrates intake reduction. METHODS A comprehensive literature review was conducted to determine the impact of LCHD on alleviating depressive symptoms in patients with MDD, along with an explanation of its mode of action. RESULTS The study revealed significant impact of nutritional interventions based on restriction in carbohydrate intake such as LCHD, KD or sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) exclusion on anxiety or depression symptoms reduction, mood improvement and lower risk of cognitive impairment or depression. The efficacy of these approaches is further substantiated by their underlying molecular mechanisms, mainly brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which is a potential key target of sugar restriction diets in terms of neuroplasticity. DISCUSSION Healthcare professionals may consider implementing LCHD strategies for MDD and TRD patients to modify the disease process, maintain euthymia, and prevent depressive episode relapses. Ranging from the exclusion of SSB to the adherence to rigorous LCHD regimens, these nutritional approaches are safe, straightforward to implement, and may confer benefits for well-being and relapse prevention in this specific patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Walaszek
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Zofia Kachlik
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Wiesław Jerzy Cubała
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
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Nikdasti A, Khodadadi ES, Ferdosi F, Dadgostar E, Yahyazadeh S, Heidari P, Ehtiati S, Vakili O, Khatami SH. Nutritional Strategies in Major Depression Disorder: From Ketogenic Diet to Modulation of the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04446-4. [PMID: 39192045 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04446-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. While traditional pharmacological treatments are effective for many cases, a significant proportion of patients do not achieve full remission or experience side effects. Nutritional interventions hold promise as an alternative or adjunctive approach, especially for treatment-resistant depression. This review examines the potential role of nutrition in managing MDD through addressing biological deficits and modulating pathways relevant to its pathophysiology. Specifically, it explores the ketogenic diet and gut microbiome modulation through various methods, including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. Numerous studies link dietary inadequacies to increased MDD risk and deficiencies in nutrients like omega-3 s, vitamins D and B, magnesium, and zinc. These deficiencies impact neurotransmitters, inflammation, and other biological factors in MDD. The gut-brain axis also regulates mood, stress response, and immunity, and disruptions are implicated in MDD. While medications aid acute symptoms, nutritional strategies may improve long-term outcomes by preventing relapse and promoting sustained remission. This comprehensive review aims to provide insights into nutrition's multifaceted relationship with MDD and its potential for developing more effective integrated treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Nikdasti
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Elaheh Sadat Khodadadi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Felora Ferdosi
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ehsan Dadgostar
- Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sheida Yahyazadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Parasta Heidari
- School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Sajad Ehtiati
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Omid Vakili
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Seyyed Hossein Khatami
- Student Research Committee, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Menéndez SG, Manucha W. Vitamin D as a Modulator of Neuroinflammation: Implications for Brain Health. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:323-332. [PMID: 38303529 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128281314231219113942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation represents a critical immune response within the brain, playing a pivotal role in defense against injury and infection. However, when this response becomes chronic, it can contribute to the development of various neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. This bibliographic review delves into the role of vitamin D in modulating neuroinflammation and its implications for brain health, particularly in the context of neurological and psychiatric disorders. While vitamin D is traditionally associated with calcium homeostasis and bone health, it also exerts immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects within the central nervous system. Through comprehensive analysis of preclinical and clinical studies, we uncover how vitamin D, acting through its receptors in glial cells, may influence the production of proinflammatory cytokines and antioxidants, potentially mitigating the cascade of events leading to neuronal damage. Clinical research has identified vitamin D deficiency as a common thread in the increased risks of multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, and depression, among others. Furthermore, preclinical models suggest vitamin D's regulatory capacity over inflammatory mediators, its protective role against neuronal apoptosis, and its contribution to neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. These insights underscore the potential of vitamin D supplementation not only in slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases but also in improving the quality of life for patients suffering from psychiatric conditions. Future clinical studies are essential to validate these findings and further our understanding of vitamin D's capacity to prevent or alleviate symptoms, opening new avenues for therapeutic strategies against neuroinflammation-related pathologies. Neuroinflammation is a crucial immune response in the brain against injuries or infections, but its persistence can lead to diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and depression. Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) emerges as a regulator of neuroinflammation, present in brain cells such as astrocytes and microglia, modulating immune function. Vitamin D's mechanisms of action include cytokine modulation and regulation of nuclear and mitochondrial genes. It adjusts inflammatory mediators and antioxidants, resulting in neuroprotective effects. Additionally, vitamin D impacts neurotransmitter synthesis and brain plasticity. This positions vitamin D as a potential adjunct in treating diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Lastly, its role in intestinal microbiota and serotonin synthesis contributes to psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and depression. Thus, vitamin D presents a novel therapeutic approach for neuroinflammatory, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastián García Menéndez
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Tecnológicas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Católica de Cuyo, San Juan 5400, Argentina
- Departamento de Patología, Área de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza 5500, Argentina
- Pathology and Pharmacology Department, Centro Científico Tecnológico, Mendoza 5500, Argentina
| | - Walter Manucha
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Tecnológicas, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Católica de Cuyo, San Juan 5400, Argentina
- Departamento de Patología, Área de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza 5500, Argentina
- Pathology and Pharmacology Department, Centro Científico Tecnológico, Mendoza 5500, Argentina
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Jeon GH. The Associations of Vitamin D with Ovarian Reserve Markers and Depression: A Narrative Literature Review. Nutrients 2023; 16:96. [PMID: 38201927 PMCID: PMC10780911 DOI: 10.3390/nu16010096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the identification of vitamin D receptors in both the female reproductive tract and the central nervous system, further data have shown that vitamin D is involved in the processes of reproductive and mental health. This paper reviews current research on the associations of vitamin D with ovarian reserve markers and depression and discusses the potential role of vitamin D in their relationships. There have been numerous studies reporting that vitamin D was significantly related to ovarian reserve markers and depression in basic or clinical research, but some observational and interventional clinical studies have shown inconsistent results. Nevertheless, recent meta-analyses of interventional studies have provided promising results showing that vitamin D supplementation significantly improves ovarian reserve metrics, especially in a subgroup of women with normal or diminished ovarian reserve, and decreases depressive symptoms and risk. The demonstration of an association of vitamin D with both ovarian reserve and depression could suggest that vitamin D may be another important key in explaining female reproductive depression. Larger-scale studies in standardized settings will be needed in order to gain further insight into the role of vitamin D in female reproduction and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyun-Ho Jeon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University School of Medicine, Busan 48108, Republic of Korea
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di Filippo L, Frara S, Giustina A. Response to the Letter to the Editor From Min et al: Low Vitamin D Levels are Associated With Long COVID Syndrome in COVID-19 Survivors. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 109:e438-e439. [PMID: 37307214 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Luigi di Filippo
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, San Raffaele Vita-Salute University and IRCCS Hospital, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Frara
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, San Raffaele Vita-Salute University and IRCCS Hospital, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Giustina
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, San Raffaele Vita-Salute University and IRCCS Hospital, 20132 Milano, Italy
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Chen TB, Chang CM, Yang CC, Tsai IJ, Wei CY, Yang HW, Yang CP. Neuroimmunological Effect of Vitamin D on Neuropsychiatric Long COVID Syndrome: A Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:3802. [PMID: 37686834 PMCID: PMC10490318 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 is now recognized as a multiorgan disease with a broad spectrum of manifestations. A substantial proportion of individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 are experiencing persistent, prolonged, and often incapacitating sequelae, collectively referred to as long COVID. To date, definitive diagnostic criteria for long COVID diagnosis remain elusive. An emerging public health threat is neuropsychiatric long COVID, encompassing a broad range of manifestations, such as sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression, brain fog, and fatigue. Although the precise mechanisms underlying the neuropsychiatric complications of long COVID are presently not fully elucidated, neural cytolytic effects, neuroinflammation, cerebral microvascular compromise, breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), thrombosis, hypoxia, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and provoked neurodegeneration are pathophysiologically linked to long-term neuropsychiatric consequences, in addition to systemic hyperinflammation and maladaptation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Vitamin D, a fat-soluble secosteroid, is a potent immunomodulatory hormone with potential beneficial effects on anti-inflammatory responses, neuroprotection, monoamine neurotransmission, BBB integrity, vasculometabolic functions, gut microbiota, and telomere stability in different phases of SARS-CoV-2 infection, acting through both genomic and nongenomic pathways. Here, we provide an up-to-date review of the potential mechanisms and pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric long COVID syndrome and the plausible neurological contributions of vitamin D in mitigating the effects of long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Bin Chen
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 407219, Taiwan;
| | - Ching-Mao Chang
- Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
- Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chia Yang
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan;
| | - I-Ju Tsai
- Department of Medical Research, Kuang Tien General Hospital, Taichung 433, Taiwan;
| | - Cheng-Yu Wei
- Department of Exercise and Health Promotion, College of Kinesiology and Health, Chinese Culture University, Taipei 11114, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua 50544, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Wen Yang
- Department of Family Medicine, Kuang Tien General Hospital, Taichung 433, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Pai Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Kuang Tien General Hospital, Taichung 433, Taiwan;
- Department of Neurology, Kuang Tien General Hospital, Taichung 433, Taiwan
- Department of Nutrition, HungKuang University, Taichung 433, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
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