Membrane Lipids in Ultra-High-Risk Patients: Potential Predictive Biomarkers of Conversion to Psychosis

Effects of Dietary Fiber, Phenolic Compounds, and Fatty Acids on Mental Health: Possible Interactions with Genetic and Epigenetic Aspects

Scientific evidence shows that dietary patterns are a key environmental determinant of mental health. Dietary constituents can modify epigenetic patterns and thus the gene expression of relevant genetic variants in various mental health conditions. In the present work, we describe some nutrigenomic effects of dietary fiber, phenolic compounds (plant secondary metabolites), and fatty acids on mental health outcomes, with emphasis on their possible interactions with genetic and epigenetic aspects. Prebiotics, through their effects on the gut microbiota, have been associated with modulation in the neuroendocrine response to stress and the facilitation of the processing of positive emotions. Some of the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms include the serotonin neurotransmitter system (TPH1 gene) and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (inhibition of histone deacetylases). The consumption of phenolic compounds exerts a positive role in neurocognitive domains. The evidence showing the involvement of genetic and epigenetic factors comes mainly from animal models, highlighting the role of epigenetic mechanisms through miRNAs and methyltransferases as well as the effect on the expression of apoptotic-related genes. Long-chain n-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) have been mainly related to psychotic and mood disorders, but the genetic and epigenetic evidence is scarce. Studies on the genetic and epigenetic basis of these interactions need to be promoted to move towards a precision and personalized approach to medicine.

Lipids in Psychiatric Disorders: Functional and Potential Diagnostic Role as Blood Biomarkers

Lipids are a crucial component of the human brain, serving important structural and functional roles. They are involved in cell function, myelination of neuronal projections, neurotransmission, neural plasticity, energy metabolism, and neuroinflammation. Despite their significance, the role of lipids in the development of mental disorders has not been well understood. This review focused on the potential use of lipids as blood biomarkers for common mental illnesses, such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. This review also discussed the impact of commonly used psychiatric medications, such as neuroleptics and antidepressants, on lipid metabolism. The obtained data suggested that lipid biomarkers could be useful for diagnosing psychiatric diseases, but further research is needed to better understand the associations between blood lipids and mental disorders and to identify specific biomarker combinations for each disease.