Nutritional Neuroscience最新文献

{"title":"Docosahexaenoic acid improves cognitive function and reduces neuronal apoptosis in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model: association with reduced oxidative stress and telomere attrition.","authors":"Hongyu Zhang, Yilei Zhang, Yuan Cheng, Qiaoxin Liu, Xiangrui Meng, Dongxia Wang, Mengyue Li","doi":"10.1080/1028415X.2026.2700765","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415X.2026.2700765","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Given the global aging intensification, age-related chronic diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD) severely harm the elderly's health, with unclear pathogenesis and no effective drugs. Thus, this study intervened in APP/PS1 mice with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) feeds of different doses to explore DHA's effects on the mice's cognitive function and nerve cell apoptosis, aiming to find the ways to prevent or delay the elderly's cognitive decline.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Six-month-old APP/PS1 mice were divided into 4 groups: wild control (WT), model control (Con), low-dose DHA (DHA-L), and high-dose DHA (DHA-H). After intervention, the study evaluated mice's cognitive function, determined brain AD-related protein and free fatty acid levels, assessed neuronal degeneration and apoptosis, measured telomere oxidative damage, telomere length, and brain oxidative stress levels.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>(1) DHA shortened water maze escape latency, increased platform crossings and target quadrant residence time, and reduced the expression of AD-related proteins (APP, A<i>β</i>, etc.) (<i>P</i> < 0.05); (2) It improved brain neuronal degeneration and apoptosis (<i>P</i> < 0.05); (3) It enhanced brain antioxidant capacity, regulated SOD, LPO, and MDA levels, and reduced DNA and telomere oxidative damage (<i>P</i> < 0.05); (4) It prolonged brain telomere length (<i>P</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>DHA supplementation can improve cognitive decline in AD model mice, and the mechanism may be that DHA supplementation alleviates oxidative stress-mediated telomere wear in brain tissue, thereby inhibiting apoptosis of neuronal cells. These conditions provide a scientific basis for the elderly and people with cognitive impairment to prevent or alleviate cognitive impairment with reasonable intake of DHA.</p>","PeriodicalId":19423,"journal":{"name":"Nutritional Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":"1-19"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148674081","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fermented food consumption and its association with constipation and psychological distress: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Gülen Suna, Merve Şeyda Karaçil Ermumcu, Nilgün Seremet Kürklü, Safiye Danışman","doi":"10.1080/1028415X.2025.2612120","DOIUrl":"10.1080/1028415X.2025.2612120","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The microbiota-gut-brain axis highlights a significant diet, gut function, and mental health link. Although fermented foods benefit gut health, how their consumption patterns affect psychological well-being remains unclear. This study investigated associations between fermented food consumption patterns (variety, frequency and specific patterns), constipation, and psychological distress in adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study included 400 adults (aged 18-65) in Turkey. A survey assessed socio-demographics (age, gender, BMI, education, and income) and fermented food frequency questionnaire. Psychological distress was measured using Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21. Gut function was evaluated using both Constipation Severity Instrument (CSI) and the Bristol Stool Scale for individual stool characterization. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 25.0. Associations were examined via correlation and multiple regression analyses (covariates-adjusted). The indirect effect of consumption patterns on distress through CSI was tested using PROCESS Macro (v4.3, Model 4) with 5000 bootstrap samples.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Contrary to expectations, a greater fermented food variety was associated with poorer psychological well-being. Pattern analysis revealed that the 'Low Variety + Medium-High Frequency' pattern was associated with the best psychological state. Conversely, a 'Medium-High Variety + Low Frequency' pattern predicted significantly worse psychological outcomes. This negative effect was fully mediated by increased constipation severity (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The fermented food-psychological health relationship is pattern-dependent. Consistent consumption of a limited variety was more strongly associated with positive gut-brain axis-related outcomes than sporadic consumption of a wide variety. These results emphasize incorporating specific, sustained fermented food patterns into dietary recommendations and warrant longitudinal and interventional studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":19423,"journal":{"name":"Nutritional Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":"968-983"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146041309","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From gut to brain: formulation and transporter-guided approaches to maximise rutin central nervous system delivery.","authors":"Shaobo Zhou, Halimatu Hassan, Jin Guo, Yan Xu, Pengxia Zhang, Linhong Yuan, Tao Zhou, Ruoli Chen","doi":"10.1080/1028415X.2026.2617363","DOIUrl":"10.1080/1028415X.2026.2617363","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, are characterised by high morbidity and disability, representing a major global health challenge. A central obstacle in their treatment is the <i>blood-brain barrier</i>, a highly selective interface that limits drug delivery to the central nervous system. Rutin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, exhibits potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities, yet its clinical utility remains constrained by poor solubility, low oral bioavailability, and restricted <i>blood-brain barrier</i> permeability. Recent advances in drug delivery and formulation science offer promising solutions. Nanoparticle encapsulation, peptide conjugation, intranasal delivery, and co-administration with absorption enhancers have been shown to improve rutin's solubility, metabolic stability, and central nervous system penetration in preclinical models. Mechanistic studies further reveal that rutin can modulate efflux transporters, regulate tight-junction proteins, and influence microglial activity and cellular metabolism, collectively contributing to enhanced neuroprotection. Experimental evidence highlights its potential to mitigate key neurodegenerative processes, particularly in Alzheimer's disease. This review synthesises current knowledge on rutin's pharmacological effects, limitations in bioavailability, and innovative strategies to improve <i>blood-brain barrier</i> penetration. By integrating mechanistic insights with advances in delivery technologies, this review underscores rutin's translational potential. Priority next steps include optimising delivery systems, establishing long-term safety, and conducting well-designed clinical trials to define efficacy and dosing.</p>","PeriodicalId":19423,"journal":{"name":"Nutritional Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":"1022-1048"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146053240","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preventive dietary and lifestyle strategies for neurodegenerative diseases: a comprehensive review.","authors":"Kanika Pathak, Tanu Kumari, Leena Aggarwal, Vishal Singh","doi":"10.1080/1028415X.2026.2615456","DOIUrl":"10.1080/1028415X.2026.2615456","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, are rising sharply across the globe. These incurable and progressive conditions lead to severe cognitive and motor impairments, diminish the quality of life, and place a substantial burden on healthcare systems. In response to this growing challenge, the present review offers an integrative and forward-thinking perspective focused on modifiable daily habits that have the potential to preserve brain health and reduce the risk of neurodegeneration. Mounting evidence reveals that everyday lifestyle choices, including food habits, physical activity, sleep, and stress, profoundly shape long-term cognitive outcomes. Neuroprotective diets such as the Mediterranean and ketogenic diets reduce oxidative stress, enhance mitochondrial efficiency, and promote neurogenesis, whereas the Western diet accelerates cognitive decline. Intermittent fasting and caloric restriction trigger autophagy and ketone production, offering metabolic resilience. Functional foods such as berries, walnuts, and leafy greens combat inflammation and oxidative damage. Physical activity and resistance training boost synaptic plasticity and neurotransmitter balance. In addition, high-quality sleep and effective stress control help preserve neuronal integrity and lower neuroinflammatory markers. By integrating insights from neuroscience, nutrition, and behavioral medicine, this review highlights how multiple modifiable factors, when adopted consistently, can work in synergy to preserve cognitive health, delay disease onset, and reduce progression.</p>","PeriodicalId":19423,"journal":{"name":"Nutritional Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":"984-1009"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146065421","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Early and long-term effects of Babassu (<i>Orbignya phalerata</i>) oil consumption on reflex ontogeny, somatic maturation and cortical electrical activity in rats.","authors":"Arthur Gabriel Alves Furtado De Carvalho Noya, Isabel Michely Da Silva Galvão De Melo, Maria Luísa Figueira De Oliveira, Maria Do Carmo Medeiros, José Anderson Da Silva Gomes, Amanda De Oliveira Araújo, Juliana Maria Carrazzone Borba, Ana Paula Rocha De Melo, Luciana Maria Silva De Seixas Maia, Giselia De Santana Muniz, Belmira Lara Da Silveira Andrade-Da-Costa, Rubem Carlos Araujo Guedes","doi":"10.1080/1028415X.2026.2622989","DOIUrl":"10.1080/1028415X.2026.2622989","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Babassu coconut (<i>Orbignya phalerata</i>) is an important economic and nutritional resource for many rural communities in Brazil. Babassu oil (BO) contains low levels of essential fatty acids (EFAs), which are crucial nutrients for physical and neurological development. However, it remains unclear whether BO consumption can affect these aspects. We investigated somatic maturation, reflex ontogeny, anxiety-like behavior, and brain susceptibility to cortical spreading depression (CSD) in the offspring of rat dams fed a BO-diet.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Wistar dams were fed diets containing either BO or soybean oil (control) during gestation and lactation. After weaning, pups either continued their mothers' diets or switched to the control diet. Offspring were analyzed during adolescence (groups Soy and Bab, n = 64) or adulthood (groups Soy-Soy, Bab-Bab and Bab-Soy, n = 26).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared to controls, the Bab group showed developmental delays in reflex ontogeny (palmar grasp, cliff avoidance, and negative geotaxis, <i>p</i> < 0.05) and somatic maturation (ear unfolding, superior teeth eruption, eye opening, and ear opening, <i>p</i> < 0.05). At both ages, anxiety-like behavior (elevated-plus maze) did not differ between groups. For CSD, the Bab (adolescent) and Bab-Bab (adult) groups exhibited higher and lower CSD velocities, respectively, compared to age-matched controls (<i>p</i> < 0.001). This effect was not reversed in the Bab-Soy group.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>We suggest that BO consumption during pregnancy and lactation should be considered with caution, as it may pose premature and long-term risks to neurodevelopment and cortical excitability.</p>","PeriodicalId":19423,"journal":{"name":"Nutritional Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":"1067-1082"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146106613","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Kefir modulates brain biomarkers and intestinal inflammation in IL-10^-/- mice: a novel psychobiotic perspective.","authors":"Gabriela de Cássia Ávila Alpino, Mariana de Fátima Albuquerque Pereira, Mariana de Moura E Dias, Ananda Pereira Aguilar, Iasmim Xisto Campos, Larissa Gabriela Morais de Ávila, Bruna Cristina Dos Santos Cruz, Lukasz Grześkowiak, Tiago Antônio de Oliveira Mendes, Maria do Carmo Gouveia Peluzio","doi":"10.1080/1028415X.2026.2619846","DOIUrl":"10.1080/1028415X.2026.2619846","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Recent studies indicate that maintaining a healthy gut microbiota balance positively influences brain function through the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis. Intestinal inflammation disrupts gut microbial homeostasis, exacerbates inflammatory and oxidative processes, and reduces beneficial microbial metabolites essential for brain health. These alterations may impair MGB axis signaling and increase intestinal and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, facilitating the translocation of inflammatory mediators and potentially contributing to neurological dysfunction. Kefir has emerged as a fermented food with potential psychobiotic properties due to its ability to modulate gut microbiota and its metabolites. However, its effects on brain-related outcomes during intestinal inflammation remain poorly understood.<b>Aim:</b> To investigate the association between milk kefir consumption and selected brain biomarkers in IL-10^-/^- mice.<b>Methods:</b> Male C57BL/6 mice were allocated into four groups (n = 5/group): wild-type mice receiving water (WWT), wild-type mice receiving milk kefir (KWT), IL-10^-/^- mice receiving water (WKO), and IL-10^-/^- mice receiving milk kefir (KKO). Brain analyses included cytokine levels, antioxidant activity, tight junction protein expression, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), while histological evaluation focused on the small intestine.<b>Results:</b> Kefir consumption was associated with improved intestinal morphology in IL-10^-/^- mice (p < 0.03), increased brain SCFA levels (p < 0.001), reduced malondialdehyde concentrations, and higher occludin expression in brain tissue.<b>Conclusion:</b> Overall, these findings suggest that milk kefir intake may influence specific brain biomarkers in IL-10^-/^- mice. These observations provide preliminary insights and support the need for further studies to elucidate the potential psychobiotic role of kefir in intestinal inflammation.</p>","PeriodicalId":19423,"journal":{"name":"Nutritional Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":"1049-1066"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146086651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A pilot study of amino acid profiles in boys with autism spectrum disorder and their mothers.","authors":"Ayat Hussein B Rashaid, Yaqeen Issa Al-Rabi, Shreen Deeb Nusair, Mahmoud Ahmad Bashtawi","doi":"10.1080/1028415X.2025.2612115","DOIUrl":"10.1080/1028415X.2025.2612115","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been linked to metabolic disturbances in prior research. This pilot study explored plasma and urinary amino acid profiles in a cohort of Jordanian boys with ASD (n = 17) and their mothers, comparing them to neurotypical controls (n = 17). Amino acid concentrations were quantified using Amino Acid Analyzer system, which integrates: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); cation exchange chromatography for separation; and post-column ninhydrin derivatization, l. Our analysis revealed preliminary correlations, including a significant association between urinary arginine levels in children with ASD and their mothers (r = 0.52, <i>p</i> = 0.031). Furthermore, distinct amino acid patterns were observed across ASD severity levels. When evaluating individual amino acids as biomarkers, several showed fair diagnostic accuracy (AUC 0.7-0.8) in internally cross-validated ROC analyses. The observed patterns suggest a complex interplay of genetic factors e.g. Potential inheritance of metabolic enzyme variants, environmental influences (e.g. Shared dietary habits or toxin exposures, and physiological adaptations). These findings suggest that amino acid dysregulation may be involved in ASD and warrant further investigation. However, the small sample size necessitates caution, and these results should be validated in larger, more diverse cohorts to assess their generalizability and potential clinical relevance.</p>","PeriodicalId":19423,"journal":{"name":"Nutritional Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":"948-967"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145934598","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Probiotics and developmental progression in healthy preschool-aged children: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.","authors":"Hafiz Haris Ahmad, Blake Peck, Daniel Terry","doi":"10.1080/1028415X.2026.2617360","DOIUrl":"10.1080/1028415X.2026.2617360","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The gut-brain axis is well known to have a bilateral relationship. Recent research has shown the positive influence of probiotic supplementation on mental flexibility and stress scores among healthy elderly population. However, no similar research has been conducted for young children.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To investigate the influence of probiotic supplementation on the developmental progress of healthy children.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 105 healthy children, who received either probiotic or placebo supplementation over a six-month period. Of those, 51 were allocated to the probiotic group and 54 to the placebo group. Pre - and post-developmental assessments were conducted using the ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2 questionnaires.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Per-protocol analysis showed that children in both the probiotic and placebo groups demonstrated significant improvements in 3 of the 6 ASQ-3 developmental domains. However, baseline analysis by age group revealed significant differences in 3 of the 6 ASQ-3 domains, with children older than 44 months showing better developmental scores. Moreover, increasing age and higher consumption of fruits and vegetables were identified as significant confounders associated with developmental progress.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This first-of-its-kind study conducted among healthy preschoolers concludes that probiotic supplementation did not significantly influence developmental progress. However, the study was underpowered for its primary outcome. Future large-scale studies involving diverse populations are recommended.<b>Trial registration:</b> Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry identifier: ACTRN12622000153718..</p>","PeriodicalId":19423,"journal":{"name":"Nutritional Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":"1010-1021"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146030446","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anxiolytic-like effects using adult zebrafish, bioaccessibility and phenolic profile of matcha and sugarcane beverages.","authors":"Tereza Raquel Pereira Tavares, Fernando Lima De Menezes, Ana Júlia De Brito Araújo, Sacha Aubrey Alves Rodrigues Santos, Patrícia Marques De Farias, Adriana Rolim Campos, Francisco Ernani Alves Magalhães, Roberta Targino Hoskin, Lucicléia Barros Vasconcelos","doi":"10.1080/1028415X.2026.2627249","DOIUrl":"10.1080/1028415X.2026.2627249","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This work presents the development of functional beverages for brain health support formulated with matcha, sugarcane juice, and medicinal plants chamomile (CT) and lemon balm (LB) tea extracts.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>For this, the anxiolytic-like effects were assessed using the in vivo adult zebrafish (<i>Danio rerio</i>) model for behavioral and toxicological analyses, as well as the in vitro bioactivity and total phenolic content TPC. Initially, three beverage bases with matcha and sugarcane juice were tested. Based on the positive anxiolytic-like effects, the prioritized beverage base BB3 (35% matcha and 65% sugarcane juice, v/v, 10.2 °Brix) was selected to produce three experimental beverages BBC (70% BB3, 30% CT), BBLB (70% BB3, 30% LB) and BBCLB (70% BB3, 15% LB and 15% CT).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Prioritized beverages BBLB and BBCLB had no effect on the adult zebrafish locomotion behavior and showed similar anxiolytic-like effects and phenolics bioaccessibility (29.8% and 30.8% for BBLB and BBCLB, respectively), as well as no toxicity. BBLB and BBCLB also showed similarly high phenolic content (669.84 ± 19.47 mg GAE/L and 729.43 ± 41.49 mg GAE/L, respectively).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A complex phenolic profile was observed for both beverages and myricetin, and chlorogenic acid was the predominant phenolic compound detected. Overall, this study demonstrated the successful development of safe, functional polyphenol-rich beverages with anxiolytic-like effects using readily available plant-based materials.</p>","PeriodicalId":19423,"journal":{"name":"Nutritional Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":"1083-1096"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146213522","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dietary plant polysaccharides as modulators of brain aging: mechanistic links to inflammaging, the gut brain axis and amyloid tau pathology.","authors":"Vishal S Bagul, Rakesh E Mutha","doi":"10.1080/1028415X.2026.2710185","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415X.2026.2710185","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> This review critically evaluates chemically characterized plant-derived polysaccharides (PS) as dietary modulators of brain aging, focusing on their structural features, gut-brain mechanisms and effects on neuroinflammation, amyloid pathology and tau-related pathways.<b>Methods:</b> Molecular, in vitro, preclinical and early human studies were critically examined. Evidence was assessed in relation to PS molecular weight, branching, charge, monosaccharide composition, purity, fermentability, dosage and associated non-carbohydrate constituents. Particular attention was given to gut microbiota modulation, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, barrier integrity, immune signaling, microglial activation and neurodegenerative biomarkers.<b>Results:</b> Fermentable plant PS altered gut microbial composition and increased acetate, propionate and butyrate production in experimental models. These SCFAs may influence brain aging through FFAR2/FFAR3 signaling and histone deacetylase inhibition, thereby improving intestinal barrier function, regulating peripheral inflammation and modifying microglial responses. Direct anti-amyloid effects were supported mainly by in vitro studies, whereas evidence for tau modulation remained indirect and predominantly preclinical. Animal studies provided the strongest causal support, particularly through microbiota-transfer, antibiotic-depletion and receptor-pathway experiments. Human evidence was limited to associative studies and small fiber or prebiotic trials. Reported PS molecular masses ranged from about 10 kDa to more than 1,000 kDa, with preclinical doses of 50-500 mg/kg and human intakes of 5-15 g/day.<b>Discussion:</b> Plant PS are promising dietary modulators of brain aging but not established neurotherapeutics. Translation requires standardized fractions, control of co-extracted phenolics and proteins, dose-response studies and biomarker-rich clinical trials incorporating stool and plasma SCFAs, inflammatory markers, neurofilament light, phosphorylated tau, cognitive outcomes and neuroimaging measures.</p>","PeriodicalId":19423,"journal":{"name":"Nutritional Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":"1-21"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148620829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}