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Nutrients
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Mechanisms Underlying the Protective Effect of Nutrition and Physical Activity...
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Mechanisms Underlying the Protective Effect of Nutrition and Physical Activity in Neurodegenerative Diseases

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutritional Epidemiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 May 2023) | Viewed by 11986

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Cristina Tomas-Zapico

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
2. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
Interests: neurodegenerative disorders; Alzheimer's disease; Huntington's disease; mouse models; protein aggregates; neurogenesis; microRNAs; exercise; CSF sink
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Eduardo Iglesias-Gutiérrez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
Interests: molecular response to exercise; epigenetics; sports nutrition and metabolism; microbiota and performance; exercise animal models
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Inadequate intake of certain nutrients and sedentarism have been associated with an increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, as well as with a faster progression of these pathologies. On the other hand, certain dietary patterns and interventions, as well as regular exercise, have been shown to have a protective role. The study of the underlying molecular mechanisms has increased considerably in recent years, although they are not yet known in detail. In particular, epigenetic mechanisms and those related to the composition and dynamics of gut microbiota have gained special prominence.

This Special Issue, “Mechanisms Underlying the Protective Effect of Nutrition and Physical Activity in Neurodegenerative Diseases”, welcomes original articles, narrative and systematic reviews, and meta-analyses exploring the role of diet and physical activity in modulating the risk and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, with special interest in the underlying molecular mechanisms. This may inform updated and more individualized lifestyle recommendations, as well as new therapeutic targets.

Prof. Dr. Cristina Tomas-Zapico
Dr. Eduardo Iglesias-Gutiérrez
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • dementia
  • lifestyle
  • diet/dietary patterns
  • brain–gut interaction
  • gut microbiome
  • probiotics
  • prebiotics
  • micronutrients
  • macronutrients
  • epigenetics
  • clinical trials
  • observational studies

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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36 pages, 4699 KiB  
Article
The Preventive Effect of Exercise and Oral Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation on Obesity-Induced Brain Changes in Ldlr−/−.Leiden Mice
by Klara J. Lohkamp, Anita M. van den Hoek, Gemma Solé-Guardia, Maria Lisovets, Talissa Alves Hoffmann, Konstantina Velanaki, Bram Geenen, Vivienne Verweij, Martine C. Morrison, Robert Kleemann, Maximilian Wiesmann and Amanda J. Kiliaan
Nutrients 2023, 15(7), 1716; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071716 - 31 Mar 2023
Viewed by 2016
Abstract
Exercise and dietary interventions are promising approaches to tackle obesity and its obesogenic effects on the brain. We investigated the impact of exercise and possible synergistic effects of exercise and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) supplementation on the brain and behavior in high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced [...] Read more.
Exercise and dietary interventions are promising approaches to tackle obesity and its obesogenic effects on the brain. We investigated the impact of exercise and possible synergistic effects of exercise and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) supplementation on the brain and behavior in high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obese Ldlr−/−.Leiden mice. Baseline measurements were performed in chow-fed Ldlr−/−.Leiden mice to assess metabolic risk factors, cognition, and brain structure using magnetic resonance imaging. Thereafter, a subgroup was sacrificed, serving as a healthy reference. The remaining mice were fed an HFD and divided into three groups: (i) no exercise, (ii) exercise, or (iii) exercise and dietary BCAA. Mice were followed for 6 months and aforementioned tests were repeated. We found that exercise alone changed cerebral blood flow, attenuated white matter loss, and reduced neuroinflammation compared to non-exercising HFD-fed mice. Contrarily, no favorable effects of exercise on the brain were found in combination with BCAA, and neuroinflammation was increased. However, cognition was slightly improved in exercising mice on BCAA. Moreover, BCAA and exercise increased the percentage of epididymal white adipose tissue and muscle weight, decreased body weight and fasting insulin levels, improved the circadian rhythm, and transiently improved grip strength. In conclusion, BCAA should be supplemented with caution, although beneficial effects on metabolism, behavior, and cognition were observed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanisms Underlying the Protective Effect of Nutrition and Physical Activity in Neurodegenerative Diseases)
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13 pages, 1692 KiB  
Article
A Prospective Study on the Relationship between Iron Supplement Intake, Hemoglobin Concentration, and Risk of Parkinsonism
by Hikaru Takeuchi and Ryuta Kawashima
Nutrients 2022, 14(21), 4671; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14214671 - 04 Nov 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2191
Abstract
The findings regarding whether the greater iron level or intake is a risk factor to Parkinson’s disease (PD) or parkinsonism was not clear. The purpose of this study is to establish a consistent association between iron supplementation and parkinsonism risk, we conducted a [...] Read more.
The findings regarding whether the greater iron level or intake is a risk factor to Parkinson’s disease (PD) or parkinsonism was not clear. The purpose of this study is to establish a consistent association between iron supplementation and parkinsonism risk, we conducted a large-scale prospective cohort study using comprehensive longitudinal data from the UK Biobank. The longitudinal cohort data of 385,898 participants (including 911 cases) who were middle to old aged British adults and joined the UK Biobank study from 2006 to 2010 and were followed up until 2018 was analyzed. The associations between iron supplement intake, hemoglobin levels and all cause subsequent parkinsonism risk after corrections of potential confounders (sex, age, household income, education length, employment status, deprivation level, body mass index, physical activity level, household numbers, smoking and drinking levels, health status, blood pressure) were investigated. Analyses revealed that (a) iron supplementation was significantly associated with higher parkinsonism risk, (b) greater hemoglobin was weakly and insignificantly associated with lower parkinsonism risk, and (c) multivitamin or vitamin C supplement intake was not significantly associated with parkinsonism risk. Regardless of whether the subjects were classified as anemic, normal, or polycythemic or in the hemoglobin level quintile, there was no nonlinear association between hemoglobin and parkinsonism risk. Parkinsonism risk did not differ between participants reporting supplementary iron intake with or without vitamin C or multivitamin supplement intake. Furthermore, polygenic risk score of PD negatively correlated with hemoglobin level, while it did not associate with intake of iron supplement or multivitamin or vitamin C supplement intake. The results suggest excessive iron intake may increase parkinsonism risk. Interventional studies are warranted to examine whether iron intake restriction is beneficial for individuals without clinical iron deficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanisms Underlying the Protective Effect of Nutrition and Physical Activity in Neurodegenerative Diseases)
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Review

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27 pages, 2499 KiB  
Review
Modulation of microRNAs through Lifestyle Changes in Alzheimer’s Disease
by Paola Pinto-Hernandez, Juan Castilla-Silgado, Almudena Coto-Vilcapoma, Manuel Fernández-Sanjurjo, Benjamín Fernández-García, Cristina Tomás-Zapico and Eduardo Iglesias-Gutiérrez
Nutrients 2023, 15(17), 3688; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15173688 - 23 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1719
Abstract
Lifestyle factors, including diet and physical activity (PA), are known beneficial strategies to prevent and delay Alzheimer’s disease (AD) development. Recently, microRNAs have emerged as potential biomarkers in multiple diseases, including AD. The aim of this review was to analyze the available information [...] Read more.
Lifestyle factors, including diet and physical activity (PA), are known beneficial strategies to prevent and delay Alzheimer’s disease (AD) development. Recently, microRNAs have emerged as potential biomarkers in multiple diseases, including AD. The aim of this review was to analyze the available information on the modulatory effect of lifestyle on microRNA expression in AD. Few studies have addressed this question, leaving important gaps and limitations: (1) in human studies, only circulating microRNAs were analyzed; (2) in mice studies, microRNA expression was only analyzed in brain tissue; (3) a limited number of microRNAs was analyzed; (4) no human nutritional intervention studies were conducted; and (5) PA interventions in humans and mice were poorly detailed and only included aerobic training. Despite this, some conclusions could be drawn. Circulating levels of let-7g-5p, miR-107, and miR-144-3p were associated with overall diet quality in mild cognitive impairment patients. In silico analysis showed that these microRNAs are implicated in synapse formation, microglia activation, amyloid beta accumulation, and pro-inflammatory pathways, the latter also being targeted by miR-129-5p and miR-192-5p, whose circulating levels are modified by PA in AD patients. PA also modifies miR-132, miR-15b-5p, miR-148b-3p, and miR-130a-5p expression in mice brains, which targets are related to the regulation of neuronal activity, ageing, and pro-inflammatory pathways. This supports the need to further explore lifestyle-related miRNA changes in AD, both as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanisms Underlying the Protective Effect of Nutrition and Physical Activity in Neurodegenerative Diseases)
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30 pages, 1152 KiB  
Review
Mechanistic Insights into the Neuroprotective Potential of Sacred Ficus Trees
by Kyu Hwan Shim, Niti Sharma and Seong Soo A. An
Nutrients 2022, 14(22), 4731; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14224731 - 09 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2305
Abstract
Ficus religiosa (Bo tree or sacred fig) and Ficus benghalensis (Indian banyan) are of immense spiritual and therapeutic importance. Various parts of these trees have been investigated for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hepatoprotective, dermoprotective, and nephroprotective properties. Previous reviews of [...] Read more.
Ficus religiosa (Bo tree or sacred fig) and Ficus benghalensis (Indian banyan) are of immense spiritual and therapeutic importance. Various parts of these trees have been investigated for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hepatoprotective, dermoprotective, and nephroprotective properties. Previous reviews of Ficus mostly discussed traditional usages, photochemistry, and pharmacological activities, though comprehensive reviews of the neuroprotective potential of these Ficus species extracts and/or their important phytocompounds are lacking. The interesting phytocompounds from these trees include many bengalenosides, carotenoids, flavonoids (leucopelargonidin-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, leucopelargonidin-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside, lupeol, cetyl behenate, and α-amyrin acetate), flavonols (kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin), leucocyanidin, phytosterols (bergapten, bergaptol, lanosterol, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol), terpenes (α-thujene, α-pinene, β-pinene, α-terpinene, limonene, β-ocimene, β-bourbonene, β-caryophyllene, α-trans-bergamotene, α-copaene, aromadendrene, α-humulene, alloaromadendrene, germacrene, γ-cadinene, and δ-cadinene), and diverse polyphenols (tannin, wax, saponin, leucoanthocyanin), contributing significantly to their pharmacological effects, ranging from antimicrobial action to neuroprotection. This review presents extensive mechanistic insights into the neuroprotective potential, especially important phytochemicals from F. religiosa and F. benghalensis. Owing to the complex pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs), the currently existing drugs merely alleviate the symptoms. Hence, bioactive compounds with potent neuroprotective effects through a multitarget approach would be of great interest in developing pharmacophores for the treatment of NDDs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanisms Underlying the Protective Effect of Nutrition and Physical Activity in Neurodegenerative Diseases)
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21 pages, 2604 KiB  
Review
Neuroprotective Panel of Olive Polyphenols: Mechanisms of Action, Anti-Demyelination, and Anti-Stroke Properties
by Tanja Grubić Kezele and Božena Ćurko-Cofek
Nutrients 2022, 14(21), 4533; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14214533 - 28 Oct 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3064
Abstract
Neurological diseases such as stroke and multiple sclerosis are associated with high morbidity and mortality, long-term disability, and social and economic burden. Therefore, they represent a major challenge for medical treatment. Numerous evidences support the beneficial effects of polyphenols from olive trees, which [...] Read more.
Neurological diseases such as stroke and multiple sclerosis are associated with high morbidity and mortality, long-term disability, and social and economic burden. Therefore, they represent a major challenge for medical treatment. Numerous evidences support the beneficial effects of polyphenols from olive trees, which can alleviate or even prevent demyelination, neurodegeneration, cerebrovascular diseases, and stroke. Polyphenols from olive oils, especially extra virgin olive oil, olive leaves, olive leaf extract, and from other olive tree derivatives, alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress, two major factors in demyelination. In addition, they reduce the risk of stroke due to their multiple anti-stroke effects, such as anti-atherosclerotic, antihypertensive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycemic, and anti-thrombotic effects. In addition, olive polyphenols have beneficial effects on the plasma lipid profiles and insulin sensitivity in obese individuals. This review provides an updated version of the beneficial properties and mechanisms of action of olive polyphenols against demyelination in the prevention/mitigation of multiple sclerosis, the most common non-traumatic neurological cause of impairment in younger adults, and against cerebral insult with increasing incidence, that has already reached epidemic proportions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanisms Underlying the Protective Effect of Nutrition and Physical Activity in Neurodegenerative Diseases)
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