Diet, Microbiota and Brain Health: Unraveling the Network Intersecting Metabolism and Neurodegeneration

Abstract

Increasing evidence gives support for the idea that extra-neuronal factors may affect brain physiology and its predisposition to neurodegenerative diseases. Epidemiological and experimental studies show that nutrition and metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes increase the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases after midlife, while the relationship with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is uncertain, but suggests a protective effect of features of metabolic syndrome. The microbiota has recently emerged as a novel factor engaging strong interactions with neurons and glia, deeply affecting their function and behavior in these diseases. In particular, recent evidence suggested that gut microbes are involved in the seeding of prion-like proteins and their spreading to the central nervous system. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the impact of metabolism, diet and microbiota in neurodegeneration, by affecting simultaneously several aspects of health regarding energy metabolism, immune system and neuronal function. Advancing technologies may allow researchers in the future to improve investigations in these fields, allowing the buildup of population-based preventive interventions and development of targeted therapeutics to halt progressive neurologic disability.

Implications of Breast Cancer Chemotherapy-Induced Inflammation on the Gut, Liver, and Central Nervous System

“…The approach of this therapy is to not specifically target microbial composition in the gut but rather administer or inhibit metabolites in order to counteract the negative side effects of microbiome disruptions [ 113 ]. In addition, some studies have implicated the importance of dietary choices and exercise in improving microbiome health and neuronal health [ 114 , 115 ]. For example, alpha linoleic acid (ALA) an omega-3 polyunsaturated acid isolated from plant sources such as walnuts and soybean oil has been well documented in its role in brain development, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative activities particularly in Alzheimer’s models [ 116 , 117 ].…”

Correlation Between Cerebral Venous Oxygen Level and Cognitive Status in Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease Using Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping

“…We suggested that dyslipidemia influences the cerebral blood perfusion through vascular disease, further leads to decreasing of cerebral oxygen level. Previous studies have reported that, dyslipidemia was a key factor of metabolic syndrome, and increases the risk of AD ( Gentile et al, 2020 ). Wingo et al (2019) found that elevated LDL levels were associated with higher probability of having early-onset AD, this novel findings highlight the important role of LDL in AD pathogenesis.…”

The Impact of Microbiota on the Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and the Possible Benefits of Polyphenols. An Overview

“…Based on these studies, later reviews indicate the possibility that improving microbiota can be beneficial for ALS patients. Thus, studies that analyze the impact of microbiota transplantation to improve neurological disorders, [ 72 ] or the importance of diet factors in neurodegeneration [ 73 ] are outlined. It is especially in relation to the latter and once the main bacteria associated with ALS have been identified, we believe that it would be interesting to analyze the impact that antioxidants in the diet could have.…”