Betaine—The dark knight of the brain

Abstract

The role of betaine in the liver and kidney has been well documented, even from the cellular and molecular point of view. Despite literature reporting positive effects of betaine supplementation in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and schizophrenia, the role and function of betaine in the brain are little studied and reviewed. Beneficial effects of betaine in neurodegeneration, excitatory and inhibitory imbalance and against oxidative stress in the central nervous system (CNS) have been collected and analysed to understand the main role of betaine in the brain. There are many ‘dark’ aspects needed to complete the picture. The understanding of how this osmolyte is transported across neuron and glial cells is also controversial, as the expression levels and functioning of the known protein capable to transport betaine expressed in the brain, betaine‐GABA transporter 1 (BGT‐1), is itself not well clarified. The reported actions of betaine beyond BGT‐1 related to neuronal degeneration and memory impairment are the focus of this work. With this review, we underline the scarcity of detailed molecular and cellular information about betaine action. Consequently, the requirement of detailed focus on and study of the interaction of this molecule with CNS components to sustain the therapeutic use of betaine.

Unveiling the crucial role of betaine: Modulation of GABA homeostasis via SLC6A1 transporter (GAT1)

“…In the past few decades, several studies have reported the beneficial effects of betaine in neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Its systematic supplementation showed only mild side effects [4, 45, 46], making it a therapeutic molecule of interest. However, the presence of betaine in the brain and the mechanism involved leading to its positive action still remained a puzzle, deeming it a “dark knight” [4].…”

“…In humans, betaine is mainly found in the liver, kidney, and brain. However, the presence and role of betaine in the brain is poorly understood and remains debated [4].…”

Neuroprotective Assessment of Betaine against Copper Oxide Nanoparticle-Induced Neurotoxicity in the Brains of Albino Rats: A Histopathological, Neurochemical, and Molecular Investigation

“…34 On the other side, many studies reported the neuroprotective effects of betaine. 32,35 In the current study, three behavioral tests were used to shed light on the locomotion and cognitive impairment caused by CuO-NP intoxication and the possible amelioration effect of betaine.…”

Transmembrane transporter proteins: Capturing transport in motion

“…The transport of betaine across membranes is facilitated, in part, by the betaine‐GABA transporter (BGT1), which is expressed in the liver, kidney and brain. In their review, Bhatt et al 14 address the scarcity of detailed molecular and cellular insights into betaine's actions in the brain.…”