The Role of Methionine-Rich Diet in Unhealthy Cerebrovascular and Brain Aging: Mechanisms and Implications for Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

As aging societies in the western world face a growing prevalence of vascular cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), understanding their underlying causes and associated risk factors becomes increasingly critical. A salient concern in the western dietary context is the high consumption of methionine-rich foods such as red meat. The present review delves into the impact of this methionine-heavy diet and the resultant hyperhomocysteinemia on accelerated cerebrovascular and brain aging, emphasizing their potential roles in cognitive impairment. Through a comprehensive exploration of existing evidence, a link between high methionine intake and hyperhomocysteinemia and oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and accelerated epigenetic aging is drawn. Moreover, the microvascular determinants of cognitive deterioration, including endothelial dysfunction, reduced cerebral blood flow, microvascular rarefaction, impaired neurovascular coupling, and blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption, are explored. The mechanisms by which excessive methionine consumption and hyperhomocysteinemia might drive cerebromicrovascular and brain aging processes are elucidated. By presenting an intricate understanding of the relationships among methionine-rich diets, hyperhomocysteinemia, cerebrovascular and brain aging, and cognitive impairment, avenues for future research and potential therapeutic interventions are suggested.

Pangenomes of Human Gut Microbiota Uncover Links Between Genetic Diversity and Stress Response

“…The other gene, metE, catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from 5-methyltetrahydrofolate to homocysteine resulting in methionine formation. Methionine-rich diets, possibly mediated by the microbiota, have demonstrated accelerated aging-related changes, including increased vascular oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and impaired cognitive performance 62 . In our analysis, people carrying A. muciniphila with the metE gene are older than those without the gene.…”

Metabolomic changes in children with autism

“…In addition, the methionine cycle is directly influenced by the availability of methionine in the diet. Methionine-rich foods like certain meats and dairy products contribute to the amino acid pool[ 99 ]. The methionine cycle requires essential cofactors such as folate and B vitamins (especially B6, B12, and folate) to function properly.…”

Improving Cognitive Function with Nutritional Supplements in Aging: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Clinical Studies Investigating the Effects of Vitamins, Minerals, Antioxidants, and Other Dietary Supplements

“…While pharmacological treatments have shown some benefits, they may not fully address the multifaceted nature of cognitive decline [44][45][46]. This has led to growing interest in alternative approaches [47][48][49][50], particularly dietary interventions and nutritional supplementation [51][52][53][54], as a potential means to support cognitive health. Nutrition plays a crucial role in brain health, and deficiencies in specific nutrients have been linked to cognitive impairments [55][56][57].…”