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Shahpasand S, Khatami SH, Ehtiati S, Alehossein P, Salmani F, Toutounchi AH, Zarei T, Shahmohammadi MR, Khodarahmi R, Aghamollaii V, Tafakhori A, Karima S. Therapeutic potential of the ketogenic diet: A metabolic switch with implications for neurological disorders, the gut-brain axis, and cardiovascular diseases. J Nutr Biochem 2024; 132:109693. [PMID: 38880191 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2024.109693] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The Ketogenic Diet (KD) is a dietary regimen that is low in carbohydrates, high in fats, and contains adequate protein. It is designed to mimic the metabolic state of fasting. This diet triggers the production of ketone bodies through a process known as ketosis. The primary objective of KD is to induce and sustain ketosis, which has been associated with numerous health benefits. Recent research has uncovered promising therapeutic potential for KD in the treatment of various diseases. This includes evidence of its effectiveness as a dietary strategy for managing intractable epilepsy, a form of epilepsy that is resistant to medication. We are currently assessing the efficacy and safety of KD through laboratory and clinical studies. This review focuses on the anti-inflammatory properties of the KD and its potential benefits for neurological disorders and the gut-brain axis. We also explore the existing literature on the potential effects of KD on cardiac health. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge in these areas. Given the encouraging preliminary evidence of its therapeutic effects and the growing understanding of its mechanisms of action, randomized controlled trials are warranted to further explore the rationale behind the clinical use of KD. These trials will ultimately enhance our understanding of how KD functions and its potential benefits for various health conditions. We hope that our research will contribute to the body of knowledge in this field and provide valuable insights for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheyda Shahpasand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyyed Hossein Khatami
- Student Research Committee, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sajad Ehtiati
- Student Research Committee, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parsa Alehossein
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Salmani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Haghbin Toutounchi
- Department of general surgery,Imam Hosein medical and educational center, Shahid Beheshti University of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tayebe Zarei
- Clinical Trial Department, Behbalin Co., Ltd., Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Shahmohammadi
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Khodarahmi
- Medical Biology Research Center, Research Institute for Health Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Vajiheh Aghamollaii
- Neurology Department, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Tafakhori
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Karima
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU), Tehran, Iran.
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Li J, Capuano AW, Agarwal P, Arvanitakis Z, Wang Y, De Jager PL, Schneider JA, Tasaki S, de Paiva Lopes K, Hu FB, Bennett DA, Liang L, Grodstein F. The MIND diet, brain transcriptomic alterations, and dementia. Alzheimers Dement 2024. [PMID: 39129336 DOI: 10.1002/alz.14062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dietary patterns are associated with dementia risk, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. METHODS We used RNA sequencing data from post mortem prefrontal cortex tissue and annual cognitive evaluations from 1204 participants in the Religious Orders Study and Memory and Aging Project. We identified a transcriptomic profile correlated with the MIND diet (Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) among 482 individuals who completed ante mortem food frequency questionnaires; and examined its associations with cognitive health in the remaining 722 participants. RESULTS We identified a transcriptomic profile, consisting of 50 genes, correlated with the MIND diet score (p = 0.001). Each standard deviation increase in the transcriptomic profile score was associated with a slower annual rate of decline in global cognition (β = 0.011, p = 0.003) and lower odds of dementia (odds ratio = 0.76, p = 0.0002). Expressions of several genes (including TCIM and IGSF5) appeared to mediate the association between MIND diet and dementia. DISCUSSION A brain transcriptomic profile for healthy diets revealed novel genes potentially associated with cognitive health. HIGHLIGHTS Why healthy dietary patterns are associated with lower dementia risk are unknown. We integrated dietary, brain transcriptomic, and cognitive data in older adults. Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet intake is correlated with a specific brain transcriptomic profile. This brain transcriptomic profile score is associated with better cognitive health. More data are needed to elucidate the causality and functionality of identified genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ana W Capuano
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Puja Agarwal
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Zoe Arvanitakis
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Yanling Wang
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Philip L De Jager
- Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology and the Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Julie A Schneider
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pathology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Shinya Tasaki
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Katia de Paiva Lopes
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Frank B Hu
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Liming Liang
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Francine Grodstein
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Serefko A, Jach ME, Pietraszuk M, Świąder M, Świąder K, Szopa A. Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Depression. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8675. [PMID: 39201362 PMCID: PMC11354246 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168675] [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: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have received considerable attention in the field of mental health, in particular regarding the treatment of depression. This review presents an overview of current research on the role of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention and treatment of depressive disorders. The existing body of evidence demonstrates that omega-3 fatty acids, in particular eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have antidepressant effects that can be attributed to their modulation of neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter function, and neuroplasticity. Nevertheless, clinical trials of omega-3 supplementation have yielded inconsistent results. Some studies have demonstrated significant reductions in depressive symptoms following omega-3 treatment, whereas others have shown minimal to no beneficial impact. A range of factors, encompassing dosage, the ratio of EPA to DHA, and baseline nutritional status, have been identified as having a potential impact on the noted results. Furthermore, it has been suggested that omega-3 fatty acids may act as an adjunctive treatment for those undergoing antidepressant treatment. Notwithstanding these encouraging findings, discrepancies in study designs and variability in individual responses underscore the necessity of further research in order to establish uniform, standardized guidelines for the use of omega-3 fatty acids in the management of depressive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Serefko
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki Street 7, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Monika Elżbieta Jach
- Department of Molecular Biology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Konstantynów Street 1I, 20-708 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Marlena Pietraszuk
- Student Scientific Club, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki Street 7, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Świąder
- Student Scientific Club, Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki Street 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
- Student Scientific Club, Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, 8b Jaczewskiego, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Świąder
- Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki Street 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Aleksandra Szopa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki Street 7, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
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Sakowski SA, Koubek EJ, Chen KS, Goutman SA, Feldman EL. Role of the Exposome in Neurodegenerative Disease: Recent Insights and Future Directions. Ann Neurol 2024; 95:635-652. [PMID: 38411261 PMCID: PMC11023772 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are increasing in prevalence and place a significant burden on society. The causes are multifactorial and complex, and increasing evidence suggests a dynamic interplay between genes and the environment, emphasizing the importance of identifying and understanding the role of lifelong exposures, known as the exposome, on the nervous system. This review provides an overview of recent advances toward defining neurodegenerative disease exposomes, focusing on Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. We present the current state of the field based on emerging data, elaborate on key themes and potential mechanisms, and conclude with limitations and future directions. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:635-652.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey A. Sakowski
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Emily J. Koubek
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Kevin S. Chen
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Stephen A. Goutman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Eva L. Feldman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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O'Shea DM, Camacho S, Ezzeddine R, Besser L, Tolea MI, Wang L, Galvin C, Gibbs G, Galvin JE. The Mediating Role of Cortical Atrophy on the Relationship between the Resilience Index and Cognitive Function: Findings from the Healthy Brain Initiative. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 98:1017-1027. [PMID: 38489189 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231346] [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: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Background Lifestyle factors are linked to differences in brain aging and risk for Alzheimer's disease, underscored by concepts like 'cognitive reserve' and 'brain maintenance'. The Resilience Index (RI), a composite of 6 factors (cognitive reserve, physical and cognitive activities, social engagement, diet, and mindfulness) provides such a holistic measure. Objective This study aims to examine the association of RI scores with cognitive function and assess the mediating role of cortical atrophy. Methods Baseline data from 113 participants (aged 45+, 68% female) from the Healthy Brain Initiative were included. Life course resilience was estimated with the RI, cognitive performance with Cognivue®, and brain health using a machine learning derived Cortical Atrophy Score (CAS). Mediation analysis probed the relationship between RI, cognitive outcomes, and cortical atrophy. Results In age and sex adjusted models, the RI was significantly associated with CAS (β= -0.25, p = 0.006) and Cognivue® scores (β= 0.32, p < 0.001). The RI-Cognivue® association was partially mediated by CAS (β= 0.07; 95% CI [0.02, 0.14]). Conclusions Findings revealed that the collective effect of early and late-life lifestyle resilience factors on cognition are partially explained by their association with less brain atrophy. These findings underscore the value of comprehensive lifestyle assessments in understanding the risk and progression of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease in an aging population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deirdre M O'Shea
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Simone Camacho
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Reem Ezzeddine
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Lilah Besser
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Magdalena I Tolea
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Lily Wang
- Department of Public Health Science, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Conor Galvin
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Gregory Gibbs
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - James E Galvin
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton, FL, USA
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Li J, Capuano AW, Agarwal P, Arvanitakis Z, Wang Y, De Jager PL, Schneider JA, Tasaki S, de Paiva Lopes K, Hu FB, Bennett DA, Liang L, Grodstein F. The MIND diet, brain transcriptomic alterations, and dementia. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.06.12.23291263. [PMID: 37398494 PMCID: PMC10312892 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.12.23291263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Identifying novel mechanisms underlying dementia is critical to improving prevention and treatment. As an approach to mechanistic discovery, we investigated whether MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay), a consistent risk factor for dementia, is correlated with a specific profile of cortical gene expression, and whether such a transcriptomic profile is associated with dementia, in the Religious Orders Study (ROS) and Rush Memory and Aging Project (MAP). RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was conducted in postmortem dorsolateral prefrontal cortex tissue from 1,204 deceased participants; neuropsychological assessments were performed annually prior to death. In a subset of 482 participants, diet was assessed ~6 years before death using a validated food-frequency questionnaire; in these participants, using elastic net regression, we identified a transcriptomic profile, consisting of 50 genes, significantly correlated with MIND diet score (P=0.001). In multivariable analysis of the remaining 722 individuals, higher transcriptomic score of MIND diet was associated with slower annual rate of decline in global cognition (β=0.011 per standard deviation increment in transcriptomic profile score, P=0.003) and lower odds of dementia (odds ratio [OR] =0.76, P=0.0002). Cortical expression of several genes appeared to mediate the association between MIND diet and dementia, including TCIM, whose expression in inhibitory neurons and oligodendrocytes was associated with dementia in a subset of 424 individuals with single-nuclei RNA-seq data. In a secondary Mendelian randomization analysis, genetically predicted transcriptomic profile score was associated with dementia (OR=0.93, P=0.04). Our study suggests that associations between diet and cognitive health may involve brain molecular alterations at the transcriptomic level. Investigating brain molecular alterations related to diet may inform the identification of novel pathways underlying dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
| | - Ana W. Capuano
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center
| | - Puja Agarwal
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center
| | - Zoe Arvanitakis
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center
| | - Yanling Wang
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center
| | - Philip L. De Jager
- Center for Translational & Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology and the Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Julie A. Schneider
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center
- Department of Pathology, Rush University Medical Center
| | - Shinya Tasaki
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center
| | - Katia de Paiva Lopes
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center
| | - Frank B. Hu
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center
| | - Liming Liang
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
| | - Francine Grodstein
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center
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Qin A, Wang M, Xu L. Increased Intake of Vegetables and Fruits Improves Cognitive Function among Chinese Oldest Old: 10-Year Follow-Up Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:2147. [PMID: 37405378 PMCID: PMC10180819 DOI: 10.3390/nu15092147] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In view of the rapidly accelerating aging process in China, this study looked at the associations between vegetables and fruits intake pattens and cognitive function among the oldest old in China using the genetic sub study from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). METHODS This study screened respondents who participated in all four surveys of longitudinal data from the CLHLS, and a total of 2454 participants were ultimately included. The relationships of cognitive function with vegetables and fruits intake patterns were examined using Generalized-estimating equations. RESULTS The prevalence range of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was 14.3% to 16.9% at T1 to T3 and 32.7% at T4. There was a significant increase in the prevalence of MCI from T1 to T4 (β = 0.054; 95% CI, 0.037 to 0.070; p < 0.001; adjusted). The V+/F+ pattern significantly improved cognitive function in Chinese older adults compared with the V-/F- pattern (OR, 1.026; 95% CI, 1.001-1.053; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Older adults who frequently consume both fruits and vegetables experience a reduction in MCI risk relative to those consuming these food groups infrequently-emphasizing the critical importance of the regular intake of both fruits and vegetables in maintaining cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afei Qin
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (A.Q.); (M.W.)
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Center for Health Economics Experiment and Public Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Meiqi Wang
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (A.Q.); (M.W.)
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Center for Health Economics Experiment and Public Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Lingzhong Xu
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (A.Q.); (M.W.)
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Center for Health Economics Experiment and Public Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
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Wei W, Wang S, Xu C, Zhou X, Lian X, He L, Li K. Gut microbiota, pathogenic proteins and neurodegenerative diseases. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:959856. [PMID: 36466655 PMCID: PMC9715766 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.959856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
As the world's population ages, neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) have brought a great burden to the world. However, effective treatment measures have not been found to alleviate the occurrence and development of NDs. Abnormal accumulation of pathogenic proteins is an important cause of NDs. Therefore, effective inhibition of the accumulation of pathogenic proteins has become a priority. As the second brain of human, the gut plays an important role in regulate emotion and cognition functions. Recent studies have reported that the disturbance of gut microbiota (GM) is closely related to accumulation of pathogenic proteins in NDs. On the one hand, pathogenic proteins directly produced by GM are transmitted from the gut to the central center via vagus nerve. On the other hand, The harmful substances produced by GM enter the peripheral circulation through intestinal barrier and cause inflammation, or cross the blood-brain barrier into the central center to cause inflammation, and cytokines produced by the central center cause the production of pathogenic proteins. These pathogenic proteins can produced by the above two aspects can cause the activation of central microglia and further lead to NDs development. In addition, certain GM and metabolites have been shown to have neuroprotective effects. Therefore, modulating GM may be a potential clinical therapeutic approach for NDs. In this review, we summarized the possible mechanism of NDs caused by abnormal accumulation of pathogenic proteins mediated by GM to induce the activation of central microglia, cause central inflammation and explore the therapeutic potential of dietary therapy and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- The Mental Hospital of Yunnan Province, Mental Health Center Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Shixu Wang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Chongchong Xu
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xuemei Zhou
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xinqing Lian
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Lin He
- The Mental Hospital of Yunnan Province, Mental Health Center Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Kuan Li
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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Shannon OM, Gregory S, Siervo M. Dietary nitrate, aging and brain health: the latest evidence. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2022; 25:393-400. [PMID: 35943128 DOI: 10.1097/mco.0000000000000866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW With an increasing population age, cognitive decline and age-associated neurodegenerative diseases are becoming increasingly prevalent and burdensome in society. Dietary supplementation with inorganic nitrate, which serves as a nitric oxide precursor, has been suggested as a potential nutritional strategy to improve brain health in older adults. In this review, we discuss recent findings in this area. RECENT FINDINGS A number of studies have emerged in the past 12-18 months exploring the effects of dietary nitrate supplementation on cognitive function, with typically (although not exclusively) null findings emerging. This research is characterized by small, acute/short-term studies, although observational studies and longer-duration randomised controlled trials are beginning to emerge. From the limited research reporting benefits of nitrate supplementation on cognitive function, one important discovery has been the identification of a potential pathway through which nitrate could impact cognitive health, involving modulation of the oral microbiome, which warrants further investigation. SUMMARY Despite some promising early findings, there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend increased dietary nitrate intake for the purpose of improving brain health. However, longer-term, larger-scale trials in potentially responsive groups are warranted to provide definitive evidence in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver M Shannon
- Human Nutrition Research Centre, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne
| | - Sarah Gregory
- Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
| | - Mario Siervo
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
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Smith MM, Melrose J. Xylan Prebiotics and the Gut Microbiome Promote Health and Wellbeing: Potential Novel Roles for Pentosan Polysulfate. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15091151. [PMID: 36145372 PMCID: PMC9503530 DOI: 10.3390/ph15091151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This narrative review highlights the complexities of the gut microbiome and health-promoting properties of prebiotic xylans metabolized by the gut microbiome. In animal husbandry, prebiotic xylans aid in the maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome. This prevents the colonization of the gut by pathogenic organisms obviating the need for dietary antibiotic supplementation, a practice which has been used to maintain animal productivity but which has led to the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria that are passed up the food chain to humans. Seaweed xylan-based animal foodstuffs have been developed to eliminate ruminant green-house gas emissions by gut methanogens in ruminant animals, contributing to atmospheric pollution. Biotransformation of pentosan polysulfate by the gut microbiome converts this semi-synthetic sulfated disease-modifying anti-osteoarthritic heparinoid drug to a prebiotic metabolite that promotes gut health, further extending the therapeutic profile and utility of this therapeutic molecule. Xylans are prominent dietary cereal components of the human diet which travel through the gastrointestinal tract as non-digested dietary fibre since the human genome does not contain xylanolytic enzymes. The gut microbiota however digest xylans as a food source. Xylo-oligosaccharides generated in this digestive process have prebiotic health-promoting properties. Engineered commensal probiotic bacteria also have been developed which have been engineered to produce growth factors and other bioactive factors. A xylan protein induction system controls the secretion of these compounds by the commensal bacteria which can promote gut health or, if these prebiotic compounds are transported by the vagal nervous system, may also regulate the health of linked organ systems via the gut–brain, gut–lung and gut–stomach axes. Dietary xylans are thus emerging therapeutic compounds warranting further study in novel disease prevention protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret M. Smith
- Raymond Purves Laboratory of Bone and Joint Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Health and Science, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - James Melrose
- Raymond Purves Laboratory of Bone and Joint Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Health and Science, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, Northern Campus, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
- Correspondence:
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