Impact of diet-derived signaling molecules on human cognition: exploring the food–brain axis

Abstract

The processes that define mammalian physiology evolved millions of years ago in response to ancient signaling molecules, most of which were acquired by ingestion and digestion. In this way, evolution inextricably linked diet to all major physiological systems including the nervous system. The importance of diet in neurological development is well documented, although the mechanisms by which diet-derived signaling molecules (DSMs) affect cognition are poorly understood. Studies on the positive impact of nutritive and non-nutritive bioactive molecules on brain function are encouraging but lack the statistical power needed to demonstrate strong positive associations. Establishing associations between DSMs and cognitive functions like mood, memory and learning are made even more difficult by the lack of robust phenotypic markers that can be used to accurately and reproducibly measure the effects of DSMs. Lastly, it is now apparent that processes like neurogenesis and neuroplasticity are embedded within layers of interlocked signaling pathways and gene regulatory networks. Within these interdependent pathways and networks, the various transducers of DSMs are used combinatorially to produce those emergent adaptive gene expression responses needed for stimulus-induced neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Taken together, it appears that cognition is encoded genomically and modified by epigenetics and epitranscriptomics to produce complex transcriptional programs that are exquisitely sensitive to signaling molecules from the environment. Models for how DSMs mediate the interplay between the environment and various neuronal processes are discussed in the context of the food-brain axis.

Assessment of Changes over Time of Lipid Profile, C-Reactive Protein Level and Body Mass Index in Teenagers and Young Adults on Different Diets Belonging to Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…Scientists are undertaking research into the role of nutrition, dietary supplements and therapies of people with ASD due to the demonstrated significant influence of nutrition on both brain function and its biochemistry. There is a growing body of evidence on nutrient deficiencies—the relatedness of function of important neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine and γ-aminobutyric acid) in the brain and many dietary components are currently suspected to be associated with alterations in behavior and cognition [ 9 , 10 ]. Particular attention is being paid to deficiencies of vitamin D, K, pantothenic acid, calcium and several bio elements including iron, iodine and selenium [ 7 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ].…”

A novel set of volatile urinary biomarkers for late-life major depressive and anxiety disorders upon the progression of frailty: a pilot study

“…Numerous studies suggest that depression and anxiety are associated with alterations in various biological functions [46]. Recent reports suggest that non-coding RNA [49,50], microbiota [51], diet-derived signaling molecules [52], and maternal immune activation [53] affect the development of depression and anxiety. Among them, studies have especially focused on the intestinal microbiota secreting GABA, tryptophan, and short-chain fatty acids of small metabolites [54], with the developmental crosstalk between intestinal microbiota and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis [55], and inflammatory-response molecules [56].…”

“…Participants responded by answering from rank 1 to 4, with each response receiving a point; this might be a "rank 1" to a negative question or a positive question. Scores are generally classified as normal (< 50), mild depression (50)(51)(52)(53)(54)(55)(56)(57)(58)(59), moderate to marked major depression (60)(61)(62)(63)(64)(65)(66)(67)(68)(69), and severe to extreme major depression (> 70) [35]. The SDS was previously translated and validated in the Japanese population, fortifying the reliability of key study methods [36].…”

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

“…For example, EGCG, isolated from green tea, acts as a histone modifier, interfering with the HDAC and HAT activities [331]. It also contributes to histone posttranslational modifications by inhibiting histone methyltransferases [383].…”

“…It has been reported that also garlic and cinnamon polyphenols inhibit HDAC [383]. Recently, it has been defined that polyphenols of cinnamon-renowned from both nutritional and pharmacological points of view for their beneficial health promoting properties mainly attributed to the polyphenolic composition and the volatile essential oils-also inhibited HDAC [386].…”