Epigenetic nutraceutical diets in Alzheimer’s disease

• Published in: The Journal of nutrition, health & aging Vol. 18; no. 9; pp. 800 - 805
• Main Authors: Davinelli, S, Calabrese, V, Zella, D, Scapagnini, Giovanni
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Paris Springer-Verlag 01.11.2014; Springer
• Subjects: Adult and adolescent clinical studies; Alzheimer disease; Alzheimer Disease - diet therapy; Alzheimer Disease - genetics; Alzheimer Disease - metabolism; bioactive properties; Biological and medical sciences; Degenerative and inherited degenerative diseases of the nervous system. Leukodystrophies. Prion diseases; Diet; Dietary Supplements; DNA Methylation - drug effects; DNA Methylation - genetics; Epigenesis, Genetic - drug effects; epigenetics; Feeding. Feeding behavior; functional foods; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Histones - metabolism; Humans; Medical sciences; MicroRNAs - genetics; MicroRNAs - metabolism; Neurology; Organic mental disorders. Neuropsychology; pathophysiology; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; risk; Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems; Nervous system diseases; Diet; Alzheimer disease; Central nervous system disease; nutraceutical; Metabolic diseases; Degenerative disease; Epigenetic; Alzheimer; Feeding; Cerebral disorder
• ISSN: 1279-7707; 1760-4788
• DOI: 10.1007/s12603-014-0520-6

There is growing support that environmental influences and individual genetic susceptibility may increase the incidence and accelerate the onset of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Epigenetic mechanisms encompass a complex regulatory network of modifications with considerable impact on health and disease risk. Abnormal epigenetic regulation is a hallmark in many pathological conditions including AD. It is well recognized that numerous bioactive dietary components mediate epigenetic modifications associated with the pathophysiology of several diseases. Although the influences of dietary factors on epigenetic regulation have been extensively investigated, only few studies have explored the effects of specific food components in regulating epigenetic patterns during neurodegeneration and AD. Epigenetic nutritional research has substantial potential for AD and may represent a window of opportunity to complement other interventions. Here, we provide a brief overview of the main mechanisms involved in AD, some of which may be epigenetically modulated by bioactive food.