Click here to receive MS news via e-mail
Molecules derived from tryptophan, an amino acid found in turkey and other foods are related to the ability to limit inflammation of the brain.
A new study demonstrates for the first time that diet and microbiota influence this inflammation, key in diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
US – New research from Brigham and Women’s Hospital Boston (USA) suggests that bacteria living in the gut are linked in the activity of brain cells involved in the control of inflammation and neurodegeneration.
By using preclinical models and samples from patients with multiple sclerosis, the team found evidence that dietary changes and intestinal flora can influence astrocyte cell, a type of cerebral and consequently neurodegeneration.
These results, published yesterday in the journal Nature Medicine, may be useful in the development of possible therapeutic targets for diseases related to inflammatory processes, such as multiple sclerosis.
Francisco Quintana, Spanish researcher who led the work, told SINC: “we have demonstrated for the first time that diet and intestinal bacteria collaborate to produce metabolites that travel through the circulation to the central nervous system to regulate inflammation and neurodegeneration.”
Or put another way, the food has some sort of role in the central nervous system through inflammation. “What we eat influences the ability of intestinal bacteria to produce small molecules, some of which are able to travel to the brain. This opens an unknown area so far. How the intestine controls inflammation of the brain,” he added.
According to the authors, dietary supplements and probiotics may be useful to control processes that contribute to the pathology of neurological diseases. “Our studies were initially focused on multiple sclerosis, but also have implications for other diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s,” said Quintana.
Turkey to limit brain inflammation
Previous research had suggested a link between the intestinal microbiome and inflammation of the brain, but until now was not known how they are related and how diet and microbial products influence this.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MS Views and News
Provides educational information, resources and services for those affected by MS
We Believe YOU (the MS Patients and Caregivers) should Be Empowered with Multiple Sclerosis information
.===================================
Visit our MS Learning Channel on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/msviewsandnews
