Bioactive Compounds Contained in Mediterranean Diet and Their Effects on Neurodegenerative Diseases

Abstract

Neuroinflammatory processes in the brain are believed to play a crucial role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, especially due to increased production of reactive oxygen species. The brain is susceptible to oxidative stress more than other organs due to the low activity of antioxidant defense systems. In agreement with these observations, increased oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, ischemic diseases and aging. The Mediterranean diet is inspired by the traditional dietary pattern of some countries of the Mediterranean basin. From ancient times, these populations were characterized by simple food habits as high intake of whole cereals (pasta, bread, rice), fruits and vegetables (up to 400 g day −1 in Greece), legumes and fish, olive oil as the common source of fats, poor intake of meat and dairy products and a moderate, regular wine drinking. In the present chapter, there are going to be presented some bioactive substances present in the Mediterranean diet related to the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. These substances are able to exert important antioxidant activity (through mechanisms such as sequestration of free radicals, inhibition of the production of hydrogen peroxide, activation of endogenous defense mechanisms.

Mediterranean diet and the hallmarks of ageing

“…The MedDiet contains a multitude of bioactive compounds such as melatonin, phytosterols, carotenoids and polyphenols (e.g. resveratrol and hydroxytyrosol) [8], many of which exert a protective effect against genomic instability by preventing DNA damage, enhancing DNA repair, or attenuating telomere shortening (see Telomere Attrition). These effects appear to be related to the anti-inflammatory effects of the MedDiet (see Altered Intercellular Communication), but also may be due to changes in gene expression induced by the MedDiet directly [23][24][25], or via epigenetic mechanisms [26].…”

“…The beneficial effects of the MedDiet on mitochondrial function, are related, at least in part, to the high content of antioxidants and bioactive polyphenols derived from foods such as red wine, olive oil, fruits and vegetables [8]. Recently Varela-Lopez et al demonstrated that olive oil had a beneficial impact on mitochondrial structure, function, as well as oxidative stress level in older rats [102].…”

“…Conversely, red meat, high-fat dairy products, and highly processed foods are consumed infrequently [5,6]. This dietary pattern contains an abundance of bioactive compounds, including a range of vitamins and minerals, polyphenols, fibre, nitrate, and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids [7][8][9], many of which have been shown, individually or when combined, to elicit beneficial health effects [10][11][12][13][14]. Indeed, higher adherence to the MedDiet has been associated with reduced risk of several age-related chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) [15], type II diabetes [16], neurodegenerative diseases [17], and cancer [18].…”

Functional Foods: An Approach to Modulate Molecular Mechanisms of Alzheimer’s Disease

“…However, both technological and agronomic processes applied to berries and the low content of RSV are limiting factors for considering berries as a significant source for this bioactive compound. Similarly, other foods contain small quantities of RSV, such as peanuts, dark cocoa, beer and beeswax from honeycomb [159].…”

“…Further studies are needed to confirm their beneficial effect in humans. At the moment, the strongest recommendation in behavioral and nutritional terms-when a good cognitive reserve still remains-is to adopt an active lifestyle together with a diet with the characteristics of the Mediterranean diet (possibly enriched with walnuts and olive oil) [22][23][24]159,188,189,247,269]. Recently, Ravi et al [394] emphasize how Mediterranean diets, mainly composed of fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids, stand as valuable, mild and preventive anti-AD agents, able to fight this devastating neurodegenerative disorder through the simple proper modification of our life style.…”