Nutrition and adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus: Does what you eat help you remember?

Abstract

Neurogenesis is a complex process by which neural progenitor cells (NPCs)/neural stem cells (NSCs) proliferate and differentiate into new neurons and other brain cells. In adulthood, the hippocampus is one of the areas with more neurogenesis activity, which is involved in the modulation of both emotional and cognitive hippocampal functions. This complex process is affected by many intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including nutrition. In this regard, preclinical studies performed in rats and mice demonstrate that high fats and/or sugars diets have a negative effect on adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN). In contrast, diets enriched with bioactive compounds, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols, as well as intermittent fasting or caloric restriction, can induce AHN. Interestingly, there is also growing evidence demonstrating that offspring AHN can be affected by maternal nutrition in the perinatal period. Therefore, nutritional interventions from early stages and throughout life are a promising perspective to alleviate neurodegenerative diseases by stimulating neurogenesis. The underlying mechanisms by which nutrients and dietary factors affect AHN are still being studied. Interestingly, recent evidence suggests that additional peripheral mediators may be involved. In this sense, the microbiota-gut-brain axis mediates bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain and could act as a link between nutritional factors and AHN. The aim of this mini-review is to summarize, the most recent findings related to the influence of nutrition and diet in the modulation of AHN. The importance of maternal nutrition in the AHN of the offspring and the role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in the nutrition-neurogenesis relationship have also been included.

The missing hallmark of health: psychosocial adaptation

“…Consistent with this, low-dose injections of Klotho increase synaptic plasticity in mice and improve cognition in aged nonhuman primates [ 282 ]. Similarly, caloric restriction and diets enriched with bioactive compounds, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols, improve neurogenesis, learning and memory performance in neuropsychiatric diseases [ 283 ].…”

Neurogenesis and pesticides: news of no new neurons

“… 24 Currently, several studies have confirmed the influence of nutrition and diet on modulating neurogenesis in the hippocampus. 25 In this sense, diets high in fats and/or sugars have been reported to have negative effect on neurogenesis, while diets enriched with bioactive compounds, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols, can induce the formation of new neurons. 25 In 1997, experimental studies showed increased neurogenesis in the hippocampal region of mice that lived in enriched environments (environments that provide cognitive, sensory, and motor stimuli) compared with mice that lived in laboratory cages.…”

“… 25 In this sense, diets high in fats and/or sugars have been reported to have negative effect on neurogenesis, while diets enriched with bioactive compounds, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols, can induce the formation of new neurons. 25 In 1997, experimental studies showed increased neurogenesis in the hippocampal region of mice that lived in enriched environments (environments that provide cognitive, sensory, and motor stimuli) compared with mice that lived in laboratory cages. 23 Due to their importance to humans, recent studies suggest that enriched environments may increase brain activity, and serve as possible non-pharmacological approaches in the prevention and/or progression of neurodegenerative diseases.…”

The Effects of Extrinsic and Intrinsic Factors on Neurogenesis

“…Proper nutrition is important for CNS maturation and functional development. Preclinical studies indicate that high-calorie diet consumption impairs adult neurogenesis, leading to reductions in the proliferation of cells and the differentiation of neuroblasts/neurons and memory deficits in rats and mice [173][174][175]. In contrast, intermittent fasting or caloric restriction has a positive effect on adult neurogenesis [176][177][178]; different types of malnutrition may affect the maturation of the brain and cognitive function, resulting in behavioral abnormalities and disturbances in learning and memory.…”