Methionine restriction diets: Unravelling biological mechanisms and enhancing brain health

High methionine intake alters gut microbiota and lipid profile and leads to liver steatosis in mice

“…Many health benefits are associated with MR. Extended lifespan, increased energy expenditure, reduced adiposity, reduced blood glucose and insulin resistance, improved lipid and bile acid profile, enhanced resistance to oxidative stress, decreased inflammation, improved gut microbiota and barrier function and so on have been demonstrated in aging rodent models and rodent models of metabolic diseases, such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). 5–11 In addition, the anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects of MR have been demonstrated in other animal models, such as C. elegans , Drosophila and broiler chickens. 11 The benefits of MR mainly depend on the host adaptation to the depletion of methionine and its catabolic metabolites.…”

“…5–11 In addition, the anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects of MR have been demonstrated in other animal models, such as C. elegans , Drosophila and broiler chickens. 11 The benefits of MR mainly depend on the host adaptation to the depletion of methionine and its catabolic metabolites. Studies have shown that a reduction in SAM levels due to MR can induce the cellular feedback response to upregulate SAM synthetase and maintain SAM homeostasis; it simultaneously leads to the remodeling of methylation patterns of DNA, which can counter both hypermethylation and hypomethylation during aging.…”

“…18 12-week MR (0.17% methionine) in 6-week-old Fischer-344 rats or 12-week MR (0.12% methionine) in young and old C57BL/6J and ApoE-KO mice all lead to a surprisingly significant elevation of homocysteine, 19,20 which could be a risk factor for CVD, bone disease and renal disease. 10,11,21–23…”