Effects of dietary restriction on metabolic and cognitive health

Abstract

Life expectancy in most developed countries has been rising over the last century. In the UK alone, there are around 12 million people over 65 years old and centenarians have increased by 85% in the past 15 years. As a result of our ageing population, which is due mainly to improvements in medical treatments, public health, improved housing and lifestyle choices, there is an associated increase in prevalence of pathological conditions, such as metabolic disorders, type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, many types of cancer and others. Statistics suggest that nearly 54% of elderly people in the UK live with at least two chronic conditions, revealing the urgency for identifying interventions that can prevent and/or treat such disorders. Nonpharmacological, dietary interventions such as caloric restriction (CR) and methionine restriction (MR) have revealed promising outcomes in increasing longevity and preventing and/or reversing the development of ageing-associated disorders. In this review, we discuss the evidence and mechanisms that are involved in these processes. FGF21 and H 2 S are important molecules involved in the effects of CR and MR in the extension of life span. Their role is also associated with the prevention of metabolic and cognitive disorders, highlighting these interventions as promising modulators for improvement of health span.

Methionine restriction - Association with redox homeostasis and implications on aging and diseases

“…Life expectancy has been rising in most countries over the past decades, as well as the prevalence of aging-associated pathological conditions [ 50 ]. It is suggested that a long-term, low-fat, whole-food vegan diet may increase life expectancy in humans by down-regulating IGF-I activity [ 51 ].…”

Effects of age and dietary methionine restriction on cognitive and behavioural phenotypes in the rTg4510 model of frontotemporal dementia

“…Increased prevalence of age-related diseases increases interest in finding nutritional interventions that could delay the onset or progression of these disorders (11). Methionine restriction (MR) has shown benefits in metabolism and longevity, by mimicking caloric restriction (CR) without promoting malnutrition.…”

Effects of Dietary Methionine Restriction on Cognition in Mice

“…This makes MR an attractive dietary intervention for the prevention or reversal of conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and potentially autoimmune disorders. While most of MR's known benefits pertain to peripheral systems, new and emerging evidence suggests that MR also benefits the brain and promotes cognitive health [16]. Currently, the exact cellular mechanisms mediating MR's central benefits are widespread yet underdeveloped.…”

“…autoimmune disorders. While most of MR's known benefits pertain to peripheral systems, new and emerging evidence suggests that MR also benefits the brain and promotes cognitive health [16].…”