V *Gut-brain connection: 3 fatty acids may be linked to tau-mediated damage*
- *There is increasing evidence that people with Alzheimer’s may have different gut microbiomes than people without the condition.* - *Experts do not yet know whether these differences in the microbiome are a cause or a result of Alzheimer’s disease.* - *New research has shown that altering the gut microbiome changes the behavior of immune cells in the brain in mice.* - *The researchers suggest that manipulating the gut microbiome may be a new approach to preventing and treating Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.* As the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) continues to increase, the search for ways to treat and prevent it is ever more pressing. Newly licensed treatments, such as aducanumab and lecanemab, that clear beta-amyloidTrusted Source <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2813509/> from the brain are a positive development, but they are expensive and controversial. <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/progress-and-controversy-in-alzheimers-research-aducanumabs-fda-approval> Many researchers are now focusing on other areas, one of which is the effect of the microbiomeTrusted Source <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3426293/> — microbes, particularly bacteria, that inhabit the gut — on neurodegenerative disorders. *Now, a new study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has found that gut bacteria affect immune responses in the brains of mice.* By changing the gut bacteria in mice that had been genetically modified to develop AD neuropathologies, the researchers altered the amount of neurodegenerationTrusted Source <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC151843/> the mice experienced. The study was published in *Science* <https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.add1236?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed> . *The link between gut bacteria and Alzheimer’s* It is widely acknowledged that the microbiome affects overall health, but it is only within the past 15 years that researchers have started to recognize the importance of the so-called gut-brain axis <https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/physrev.00018.2018?rfr_dat=cr_pub> . “Many diseases of the body and mind are now linked to gut microbiota, including Alzheimer’s disease.” — Dr. Jennifer Bramen, Ph.D. <https://www.pacificneuroscienceinstitute.org/people/jennifer-bramen/>, senior research scientist at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California *A person’s microbiome changes throughout their lifeTrusted Source <https://www.nature.com/articles/s41575-022-00605-x>, influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet. And research has shown that the microbiome of people with AD has a much lower microbial diversityTrusted Source <https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-13601-y> than that of healthy individuals of similar age, leading to suggestions that there may be a link.* Several studiesTrusted Source <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31884474/> have suggested how the microbiome might influence the development of neurodegenerative disorders, such as AD. Altered gut bacteria (dysbiosisTrusted Source <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31118068/>) may interfere with beta-amyloid clearance, increase the permeabilityTrusted Source <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28372330/> of the gut and blood-brain barrier or alter immune and inflammatory responses. “There is growing recognition of a gut-brain axis and evidence that the microbiome of individuals varies with disease status. The biggest issue is understanding whether gut changes are due to disease or contribute to disease (or both).” — Dr. M. Kerry O’Banion, <https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.urmc.rochester.edu%2Fpeople%2F21395963-m-kerry-o-banion&data=05%7C01%7Cysakay%40healthline.com%7C6ff7e778e19f4f7d13b008daf895da51%7C00e1df3d9626410c898c16aaa8c2afc9%7C0%7C0%7C638095620038459548%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C2000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ElVuWqcao%2FWLIjG3z0ZutPZA6RWODHOauEgQ7B7UEB8%3D&reserved=0> professor of neuroscience at the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester *Neurodegeneration from certain bacteria* The mice in this latest study were genetically modified to develop Alzheimer’s-like brain damage and cognitive impairment. All of them carried a variant of the APOE gene <https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2021.630502/full>, which is a genetic risk factor for AD, and expressed a mutant form of the tau protein that is found in the human brain. The tau proteinTrusted Source <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4072215/> has been linked to the development of AD symptoms. The mice were divided into 2 groups. One group was raised in sterile conditions from birth, so did not develop any microbiome, while the others were given antibiotics early in life to permanently change the composition of their microbiome. All the mice were fed a typical lab diet, although food for the sterile group was autoclaved to destroy any bacteria. They were moved regularly to sterile cages to avoid contamination from old droppings in their cages. At 40 weeks, researchers euthanized the mice and examined their brains. *The brains of mice that had been kept in sterile conditions from birth showed much less neurodegeneration than the brains of mice with typical mouse microbiomes.* *Sex differences* For the mice given antibiotic treatment, there was a difference between the sexes. Male mice showed less brain damage than female mice given the same treatment. This difference was most pronounced in male mice carrying the APOE3Trusted Source <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5310835/> gene variant. Senior author Dr. David M. Holtzman <https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fu7061146.ct.sendgrid.net%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3D4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUaoyQqajWJtpvIzy-2Fn9xdbZswBW-2BuHM-2F61lQRZmOPjPqQbaQtPD2b-2F7aAcqjOBmbFBy74MC6-2Fz5heR-2BgSZPpnnw-3DnHaW_qUUMznMkXGT9vocK663RhihR1E3P7Zhw8trthuwelyTfR-2BnsLMSwOQIMF0GjbacMCc3OzgSGJNEF-2B2N6cD3eKEvG2HlsfjpnB1jpUBbe5O9IlB7tEy56cOGuT7q19fXH-2FAT9a2Kc5qQIjyGkvaFhEyxAg1Gukp6yBvRHfAm4A-2FfDjMpdEFIv8IIKYng7H3bffGOF9pbF5yjtRNV-2BFTJvD2C0dPNtGV567ZyOhmTgUhF9-2FgOg8mJ9do5JCMHuPlKRHZRPQshFhuoAN6S-2Fr2YvsiVS8TC1vsoGPvyKoz-2FGx72VCZtCK8YfxVJhq9Pqh7c8wEshwa2skZG5wK-2F-2FjprO2vFsYCZ5WUciqnNgKk5YtlQ-3D&data=05%7C01%7Ctbhandari%40wustl.edu%7C395bb9d67ce84e5f200408daf3fc0220%7C4ccca3b571cd4e6d974b4d9beb96c6d6%7C0%7C0%7C638090560937582262%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=STYGMDSdaHCYF1g6ci9dZD8O%2BrWTn0xnCn6OW%2B1WkPY%3D&reserved=0>, the Barbara Burton and Reuben M. Morriss III Distinguished Professor of Neurology, commented: “We already know, from studies of brain tumors, normal brain development, and related topics, that immune cells in male and female brains respond very differently to stimuli. So it’s not terribly surprising that when we manipulated the microbiome we saw a sex difference in response, although it is hard to say what exactly this means for men and women living with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.” *3 fatty acids may be culprits* *The researchers found that three short-chain fatty acids produced by certain types of gut bacteria were linked to neurodegeneration.* These fatty acids were absent in mice with no microbiome and at very low levels in those that had been given antibiotics. The researchers suggest that these fatty acids were activating immune cells that damaged brain tissue. To test this, they fed these three fatty acids to middle-aged mice with no microbiome. Their brain immune cells then became more active, and their brains subsequently showed more signs of tau-linked damage. *Potential treatment for AD* The findings offer insights into how the microbiome might influence tau-mediated neurodegeneration in humans. The researchers suggest that modifying the gut microbiome with antibiotics, probiotics, specialized diets, or other means might be a new approach to preventing and treating neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD, in people. “Many researchers believe that work aimed at unpacking the complex influence of the gut microbiome on Alzheimer’s disease will lead to new therapeutics to prevent and mitigate neurodegeneration.” — Dr. Jennifer Bramen *There is increasing evidence that a healthy microbiome benefitsTrusted Source <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5962619/> many aspects of human health. This new study suggests that looking after your microbiome might also lower your risk of developing AD and other neurodegenerative disorders.* Dr. O’Banion said that the current study “helps establish causality and bring hope that modifying the human microbiome might impact health by preventing or altering diseases.” However, the findings must be treated with caution as mouse modelsTrusted Source <https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-05722-9> cannot exactly replicate the disease in humans. But the researchers believe that this study opens avenues for further research. “What I want to know is, if you took mice genetically destined to develop neurodegenerative disease, and you manipulated the microbiome just before the animals start showing signs of damage, could you slow or prevent neurodegeneration?” — Dr. David Holtzman The “microbiome <https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/gut-microbiome>” refers to the collection of microorganisms present in a person’s intestines. These microorganisms include bacteria, fungi, and archaea. Having a diverse range of “good” gut flora benefits a person’s health. However, gut flora can become less diverse and less beneficial for many reasons. The microbiome diet aims to improve the microbiome and overall health, as a result. Dr. Kellman, who specializes in holistic and functional medicine, developed the microbiome diet. The Kellman Wellness Center <https://kellmancenter.com/2016/11/the-microbiome-diet-101-part-1/> website states that looking after the microbiome is important for the following reasons: - In the right balance, most strains of gut bacteria contribute to human health. - The microbiome creates short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which decrease inflammation, boost brain function, and help the immune system. - Microbes in the gut help regulate a person’s metabolism and mood. *Diet phases* The microbiome diet has three phases. The first two phases take a total of 7 weeks to complete. The final phase is a long-term maintenance diet. *Phase 1* The first phase <https://kellmancenter.com/2016/11/the-microbiome-diet-101-part-2/> of the diet lasts for 3 weeks, and focuses on: - removing disruptive food, bacteria, pathogens, and toxins - repairing the gut lining - replacing stomach acid and pancreatic enzymes - reinoculating with beneficial bacteria strains During this phase, Dr. Kellman advises that people avoid the following foods and ingredients: - gluten - dairy products, except butter and ghee - grains - eggs - packaged foods - soy - fruit juice - potatoes and corn - peanuts - legumes except chickpeas and lentils - high mercury fish - deli meat - artificial sweeteners - high-fructose corn syrup - fillers and colors - trans or hydrogenated fats - fried foods Dr. Kellman advises that people focus on plant-based foods that increase microbiome diversity, such as: - prebiotic foods, such as Jerusalem artichoke, onions <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/276714>, and garlic - probiotic foods, such as sauerkraut and kimchi - fruits, such as apples, berries, cherries, grapefruits, kiwi, nectarine, orange, and rhubarb - healthful fats from fish, avocado, nuts, and seeds - oils, including flaxseed, sunflower, and olive oil If a person eats animal proteins, Dr. Kellman recommends focusing on wild fish and grass fed meat. *Phase 2* After phase 1, a person following this diet can start to introduce a wider range of foods over the next 4 weeks, including <https://kellmancenter.com/2016/11/the-microbiome-diet-101-part-2/>: - sheep or goat’s milk dairy and kefir - organic, free-range eggs - mangos <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275921>, melons, peaches, and pears - gluten-free grains, including amaranth, buckwheat, millet, gluten-free oats, quinoa <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/274745>, brown, basmati, and wild rice - beans, including, green, black, red, white, and kidney beans - sweet potatoes and yams *Phase 3* The final phase <https://kellmancenter.com/2016/11/the-microbiome-diet-101-part-2/> of the microbiome diet aims to maintain the results of phases 1 and 2. Dr. Kellman advises that people continue avoiding foods that damage gut flora and the gut lining. *Supplements* In addition to dietary changes, the microbiome diet recommends the following supplements during phase 1: - *Antimicrobials*: These include berberine, caprylic acid, garlic, grapefruit seed extract, and oregano oil to kill pathogens. - *Acids and enzymes: *Supplements containing digestive enzymes, such as protease, lipase, and amylase, to help break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161547> in food. The diet also recommends taking apple cider vinegar to stimulate stomach acid production. - *Gut lining supplements: *These can include zinc, vitamin <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/195878> D <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161618>, glutamine, marshmallow, quercetin, and slippery elm, among others, to benefit the intestinal lining. - *Probiotics: *These should be products with 50–200 billion bacteria with strains such as *Lactobacillus acidophilus*, *Rhamnosus*, *Plantarum*, bifidobacteria, and *Acidophilus reuteri*. Dr. Kellman also recommends that people following the diet: - use a good quality water filter - eat organic foods to limit exposure to pesticides and hormones - switch to natural versions of household and personal products - avoid the overuse of antibiotics <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10278> - avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen - avoid proton pump inhibitors, which reduce stomach acid production No studies have proven explicitly that the microbiome diet works to improve a person’s microbiome or that it can treat health conditions. However, the idea that diet can benefit the microbiome and that this, in turn, can benefit human health, does have evidence to support it. As the microbiome plays a role in immunity and inflammation <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867414003456>, a healthy microbiome may reduce the risk of diseases, such asTrusted Source <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5385025/>: - inflammatory bowel disease <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316395> - type 2 diabetes <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317462> - cardiovascular disease <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/257484> - cancer <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323648> The food a person eats can positively impact the microbiome in the gut. KR The best GUT foo d I know for certain is yogurt or curd IRS 19123 Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. 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