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Ahmad HI, Mahmood S, Hassan M, Sajid M, Ahmed I, Shokrollahi B, Shahzad AH, Abbas S, Raza S, Khan K, Muhammad SA, Fouad D, Ataya FS, Li Z. Genomic insights into Yak (Bos grunniens) adaptations for nutrient assimilation in high-altitudes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5650. [PMID: 38453987 PMCID: PMC10920680 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55712-3] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
High-altitude environments present formidable challenges for survival and reproduction, with organisms facing limited oxygen availability and scarce nutrient resources. The yak (Bos grunniens), indigenous to the Tibetan Plateau, has notably adapted to these extreme conditions. This study delves into the genomic basis of the yak's adaptation, focusing on the positive selection acting on genes involved in nutrient assimilation pathways. Employing techniques in comparative genomics and molecular evolutionary analyses, we selected genes in the yak that show signs of positive selection associated with nutrient metabolism, absorption, and transport. Our findings reveal specific genetic adaptations related to nutrient metabolism in harsh climatic conditions. Notably, genes involved in energy metabolism, oxygen transport, and thermoregulation exhibited signs of positive selection, suggesting their crucial role in the yak's successful colonization of high-altitude regions. The study also sheds light on the yak's immune system adaptations, emphasizing genes involved in response to various stresses prevalent at elevated altitudes. Insights into the yak's genomic makeup provide valuable information for understanding the broader implications of high-altitude adaptations in mammalian evolution. They may contribute to efforts in enhancing livestock resilience to environmental challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafiz Ishfaq Ahmad
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
| | - Sammina Mahmood
- Department of Botany, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mubashar Hassan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (Sub campus UVAS, Lahore), Jhang, 35200, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Sajid
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (Sub campus UVAS, Lahore), Jhang, 35200, Pakistan
| | - Irfan Ahmed
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Borhan Shokrollahi
- Hanwoo Research Institute, National Institute of Animal Science, Pyeongchang, 25340, Korea
| | - Abid Hussain Shahzad
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (Sub campus UVAS, Lahore), Jhang, 35200, Pakistan
| | - Shaista Abbas
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, 35200, Pakistan
| | - Sanan Raza
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (Sub campus UVAS, Lahore), Jhang, 35200, Pakistan
| | - Komal Khan
- Department of Basic Sciences, Anatomy Section, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, 35200, Pakistan
| | - Sayyed Aun Muhammad
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (Sub campus UVAS, Lahore), Jhang, 35200, Pakistan
| | - Dalia Fouad
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, PO Box 22452, Riyadh, 11495, Saudi Arabia
| | - Farid S Ataya
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, PO Box 2455, 11495, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zhengtian Li
- Qujing Normal University, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, 655011, Yunnan, China.
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Lucock MD. The evolution of human skin pigmentation: A changing medley of vitamins, genetic variability, and UV radiation during human expansion. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2023; 180:252-271. [PMID: 36790744 PMCID: PMC10083917 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
This review examines putative, yet likely critical evolutionary pressures contributing to human skin pigmentation and subsequently, depigmentation phenotypes. To achieve this, it provides a synthesis of ideas that frame contemporary thinking, without limiting the narrative to pigmentation genes alone. It examines how geography and hence the quality and quantity of UV exposure, pigmentation genes, diet-related genes, vitamins, anti-oxidant nutrients, and cultural practices intersect and interact to facilitate the evolution of human skin color. The article has a strong focus on the vitamin D-folate evolutionary model, with updates on the latest biophysical research findings to support this paradigm. This model is examined within a broad canvas that takes human expansion out of Africa and genetic architecture into account. A thorough discourse on the biology of melanization is provided (includes relationship to BH4 and DNA damage repair), with the relevance of this to the UV sensitivity of folate and UV photosynthesis of vitamin D explained in detail, including the relevance of these vitamins to reproductive success. It explores whether we might be able to predict vitamin-related gene polymorphisms that pivot metabolism to the prevailing UVR exposome within the vitamin D-folate evolutionary hypothesis context. This is discussed in terms of a primary adaptive phenotype (pigmentation/depigmentation), a secondary adaptive phenotype (flexible metabolic phenotype based on vitamin-related gene polymorphism profile), and a tertiary adaptive strategy (dietary anti-oxidants to support the secondary adaptive phenotype). Finally, alternative evolutionary models for pigmentation are discussed, as are challenges to future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. Lucock
- School of Environmental & Life SciencesUniversity of NewcastleOurimbahNew South WalesAustralia
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Soriano JB, Ancochea J. Cabbage and COVID-19. Allergy 2021; 76:966-967. [PMID: 33675254 PMCID: PMC8251406 DOI: 10.1111/all.14654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joan B. Soriano
- Department of Pneumology Hospital Universitario de la Princesa Madrid Spain
- School of Medicine Universidad Autónoma de Madrid Madrid Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES) Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) Madrid Spain
| | - Julio Ancochea
- Department of Pneumology Hospital Universitario de la Princesa Madrid Spain
- School of Medicine Universidad Autónoma de Madrid Madrid Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES) Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) Madrid Spain
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Lucock M, Thota R, Garg M, Martin C, Jones P, Furst J, Yates Z, Jablonski NG, Chaplin G, Veysey M, Beckett E. Early lifecycle UV‐exposure calibrates adult vitamin D metabolism: Evidence for a developmentally originated vitamin D homeostat that may alter related adult phenotypes. Am J Hum Biol 2019; 31:e23272. [DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Lucock
- School of Environmental & Life SciencesUniversity of Newcastle Ourimbah New South Wales Australia
| | - Rohith Thota
- Nutraceuticals Research GroupUniversity of Newcastle Ourimbah New South Wales Australia
| | - Manohar Garg
- Nutraceuticals Research GroupUniversity of Newcastle Ourimbah New South Wales Australia
| | - Charlotte Martin
- School of Environmental & Life SciencesUniversity of Newcastle Ourimbah New South Wales Australia
| | - Patrice Jones
- School of Environmental & Life SciencesUniversity of Newcastle Ourimbah New South Wales Australia
| | - John Furst
- Maths & Physical SciencesUniversity of Newcastle Ourimbah New South Wales Australia
| | - Zoe Yates
- Biomedical Sciences & PharmacyUniversity of Newcastle Ourimbah New South Wales Australia
| | - Nina G. Jablonski
- Anthropology Department, 409 Carpenter Building, University ParkThe Pennsylvania State University Pennsylvania
| | - George Chaplin
- Anthropology Department, 409 Carpenter Building, University ParkThe Pennsylvania State University Pennsylvania
| | | | - Emma Beckett
- School of Environmental & Life SciencesUniversity of Newcastle Ourimbah New South Wales Australia
- Medicine & Public HealthUniversity of Newcastle Ourimbah New South Wales Australia
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Effect of long-term nutraceutical and dietary supplement use on cognition in the elderly: a 10-year systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Br J Nutr 2018; 119:280-298. [DOI: 10.1017/s0007114517003452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AbstractNutraceuticals have generated interest as a way to mitigate the cognitive decline in older adults. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the evidence for these claims from the scientific literature in randomised, double-blinded, controlled trials (duration: ≥1 year; participants: n≥100; age(mean): ≥65 years). Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we searched four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL and Web of Science) and identified twenty-five studies published between the 15·June·2006 and 14·June·2016. Interventions included B-vitamins, n-3 fatty acids, antioxidant vitamins and herbs. Of the B-vitamin studies, four found benefits to cognition with supplementation. The first of these B-vitamin studies, in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (n 266; duration=2 years), included benefit to executive function (P=0·015) and improvements in the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) among participants with baseline homocysteine above 11·3 µmol/l (P<0·001). In the same sample, the second study found cognitive benefits of B-vitamins dependent on the higher baseline plasma n-3 fatty acid status. The third B-vitamin study (n 900; duration=2 years) reported improved performance in immediate (P=0·046) and delayed recall (P=0·013), whereas the fourth study (n 856; duration=2 years) reported slower rate of cognitive decline in the MMSE (P=0·05). One study investigating DHA treatment (n 402; duration=1·5 years) revealed the slower rate of cognitive change in apoE e4 non-carriers (P=0·03). As only five included studies revealed notable benefits, presently based on the specific compounds explored here, there is not compelling evidence to support the use nutraceuticals to improve cognition in the elderly. Future long-term trials of nutraceuticals should investigate interactions with lifestyle, blood biomarkers and genetic risk factors.
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Ahlstrom B, Dinh T, Haselton MG, Tomiyama AJ. Understanding eating interventions through an evolutionary lens. Health Psychol Rev 2016; 11:72-88. [DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2016.1260489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Britt Ahlstrom
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tran Dinh
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Martie G. Haselton
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Communication Studies, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Institute for Society and Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - A. Janet Tomiyama
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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May H, Ruff C. Physical burden and lower limb bone structure at the origin of agriculture in the levant. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2016; 161:26-36. [PMID: 27166918 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2015] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the femoral midshaft morphological characteristics in hunter-gathering Natufian and farming Pre-pottery Neolithic (PPN) populations in the southern Levant and relate these to changes in mobility, physical stress, and diet. MATERIALS AND METHODS 32 Natufian, 41 PPNB, and 26 PPNC femora, dating from 14,900 to 8,250 cal BP, were studied. Femoral diaphyseal cross-sectional images were obtained from CT scans. Dedicated software was used to measure cross-sectional breadths, areas, cortical bone thickness, rigidity, and strength. RESULTS Two general temporal trends in femoral bone architecture were observed: (1) a continuous decline in the relative amount of bone tissue (cortical area/total area) due to expansion of the medullary cavity and (2) an increase in circularity (decrease in anteroposterior/mediolateral ratios) together with an overall decline in bone rigidity and strength, mainly apparent in the later PPNC. The first trend suggests a gradual decline in nutritional quality and health continuing from the Natufian through the late Neolithic. The second trend is interpreted as a result of increased sedentism with the full establishment of agriculture. DISCUSSION The transition to food production in the southern Levant was accompanied by reduced physical stress and mobility, with the most marked effects occurring toward the end of the PPN with increasing sedentism. Deterioration of nutrition and health also occurred, but more continuously from the beginning of the PPN. Thus, environmental changes associated with the agricultural transition in this region of the world were gradual and prolonged, with direct dietary effects more apparent earlier than reductions in mobility. Am J Phys Anthropol 161:26-36, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hila May
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.,The Dan David Center for Human Evolution and Biohistory Research, the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History and National Research Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Christopher Ruff
- Center for Functional Anatomy and Evolution, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205
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Lucock M, Jones P, Martin C, Beckett E, Yates Z, Furst J, Veysey M. Vitamin D. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med 2015; 20:310-22. [DOI: 10.1177/2156587215580491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Interest in vitamin D and the VDR gene is increasing as putative roles in human health and evolutionary processes are explored. This review looks beyond the classic biochemistry that links vitamin D to calcium homeostasis; it explores how vitamin D interacts with light in a broader perspective than simple skin photosynthesis. It examines how the vitamin influences circadian rhythm, and how it may have helped drive the evolution of skin pigmentation. To this end, the nutrient–nutrient relationship with folate is also explored. The VDR gene is additionally examined as a factor in the evolutionary selection of skin depigmentation at higher latitudes to allow vitamin D synthesis. Evidence is given to show that VDR polymorphisms exhibit a latitudinal gradient in allele prevalence consistent with such a paradigm. Overall, the review examines new evo-devo ideas that link light-sensitive vitamins to human health/phenotype, both within and across the lifecycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Lucock
- University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Patrice Jones
- University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Emma Beckett
- University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Zoe Yates
- University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Furst
- University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Martin Veysey
- Central Coast Local Health District, Gosford, New South Wales, Australia
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Lucock M, Yates Z, Martin C, Choi JH, Beckett E, Boyd L, LeGras K, Ng X, Skinner V, Wai R, Kho J, Roach P, Veysey M. Methylation diet and methyl group genetics in risk for adenomatous polyp occurrence. BBA CLINICAL 2015; 3:107-12. [PMID: 26673393 PMCID: PMC4661521 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbacli.2014.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study is to explore whether a methylation diet influences risk for adenomatous polyps (AP) either independently, or interactively with one-carbon metabolism-dependent gene variants, and whether such a diet modifies blood homocysteine, a biochemical phenotype closely related to the phenomenon of methylation. Methods 249 subjects were examined using selective fluorescence, PCR and food frequency questionnaire to determine homocysteine, nine methylation-related gene polymorphisms, dietary methionine, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, vitamins B6 and B12. Results 1). Both dietary methionine and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate intake are significantly associated with plasma homocysteine. 2). Dietary methionine is related to AP risk in 2R3R-TS wildtype subjects, while dietary B12 is similarly related to this phenotype in individuals heterozygous for C1420T-SHMT, A2756G-MS and 844ins68-CBS, and in those recessive for 2R3R-TS. 3). Dietary methionine has a marginal influence on plasma homocysteine level in C1420T-SHMT heterozygotes, while B6 exhibits the same effect on homocysteine in C776G-TCN2 homozygote recessive subjects. Natural 5-methyltetrahydrofolate intake is interesting: Wildtype A1298C-MTHFR, heterozygote C677T-MTHFR, wildtype A2756G-MS and recessive A66G-MSR individuals all show a significant reciprocal association with homocysteine. 4). Stepwise regression of all genotypes to predict risk for AP indicated A2756G-MS and A66G-MSR to be most relevant (p = 0.0176 and 0.0408 respectively). Results were corrected for age and gender. Conclusion A methylation diet influences methyl group synthesis in the regulation of blood homocysteine level, and is modulated by genetic interactions. Methylation-related nutrients also interact with key genes to modify risk of AP, a precursor of colorectal cancer. Independent of diet, two methylation-related genes (A2756G-MS and A66G-MSR) were directly associated with AP occurrence. A methylation diet influences regulation of blood homocysteine level. Gene variants interact with a methylation diet to influence homocysteine. Methylation-related nutrients interact with key genes to modify adenoma risk. Independent of diet, A2756G-MS and A66G-MSR were associated with adenoma risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Lucock
- School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, PO Box 127, Brush Rd., Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia
| | - Zoë Yates
- Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, PO Box 127, Brush Rd., Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia
| | - Charlotte Martin
- School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, PO Box 127, Brush Rd., Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia
| | - Jeong-Hwa Choi
- School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, PO Box 127, Brush Rd., Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia
| | - Emma Beckett
- School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, PO Box 127, Brush Rd., Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia
| | - Lyndell Boyd
- School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, PO Box 127, Brush Rd., Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia
| | - Kathleen LeGras
- School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, PO Box 127, Brush Rd., Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia
| | - Xiaowei Ng
- School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, PO Box 127, Brush Rd., Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia
| | - Virginia Skinner
- Teaching & Research Unit, Central Coast Local Health District, PO Box 361, Gosford, NSW 2250, Australia
| | - Ron Wai
- Teaching & Research Unit, Central Coast Local Health District, PO Box 361, Gosford, NSW 2250, Australia
| | - Jeremy Kho
- School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, PO Box 127, Brush Rd., Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia
| | - Paul Roach
- School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, PO Box 127, Brush Rd., Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia
| | - Martin Veysey
- Teaching & Research Unit, Central Coast Local Health District, PO Box 361, Gosford, NSW 2250, Australia
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2014 Future Earth Young Scientists Conference on integrated science and knowledge co-production for ecosystems and human well-being. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 11:11553-8. [PMID: 25390795 PMCID: PMC4245629 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph111111553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Effective integration in science and knowledge co-production is a challenge that crosses research boundaries, climate regions, languages and cultures. Early career scientists are crucial in the identification of, and engagement with, obstacles and opportunities in the development of innovative solutions to complex and interconnected problems. On 25-31 May 2014, International Council for Science and International Social Science Council, in collaboration with the International Network of Next-Generation Ecologists and Institute for New Economic Thinking: Young Scholars Initiative, assembled a group of early career researchers with diverse backgrounds and research perspectives to reflect on and debate relevant issues around ecosystems and human wellbeing in the transition towards green economy, funded by the German Research Foundation, at Villa Vigoni, Italy. As a group of young scientists, we have come to a consensus that collaboration and communication among a diverse group of peers from different geographic regions could break down the barriers to multi-disciplinary research designed to solve complex global-scale problems. We also propose to establish a global systematic thinking to monitor global socio-ecological systems and to develop criteria for a "good" anthropocene. Finally, we aim to bridge gaps among research, the media, and education from a governance perspective linking with "sustainable development goals".
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Logan AC, Jacka FN. Nutritional psychiatry research: an emerging discipline and its intersection with global urbanization, environmental challenges and the evolutionary mismatch. J Physiol Anthropol 2014; 33:22. [PMID: 25060574 PMCID: PMC4131231 DOI: 10.1186/1880-6805-33-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In 21st-century public health, rapid urbanization and mental health disorders are a growing global concern. The relationship between diet, brain function and the risk of mental disorders has been the subject of intense research in recent years. In this review, we examine some of the potential socioeconomic and environmental challenges detracting from the traditional dietary patterns that might otherwise support positive mental health. In the context of urban expansion, climate change, cultural and technological changes and the global industrialization and ultraprocessing of food, findings related to nutrition and mental health are connected to some of the most pressing issues of our time. The research is also of relevance to matters of biophysiological anthropology. We explore some aspects of a potential evolutionary mismatch between our ancestral past (Paleolithic, Neolithic) and the contemporary nutritional environment. Changes related to dietary acid load, advanced glycation end products and microbiota (via dietary choices and cooking practices) may be of relevance to depression, anxiety and other mental disorders. In particular, the results of emerging studies demonstrate the importance of prenatal and early childhood dietary practices within the developmental origins of health and disease concept. There is still much work to be done before these population studies and their mirrored advances in bench research can provide translation to clinical medicine and public health policy. However, the clear message is that in the midst of a looming global epidemic, we ignore nutrition at our peril.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan C Logan
- CAMNR, 23679 Calabasas Road Suite 542, Calabasas, CA 91302, USA
| | - Felice N Jacka
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, IMPACT SRC, PO Box 281, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
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