Barcelona, Spain- Can a high-fat diet be a contributing factor to the development of Alzheimer’s disease? According to a recent study conducted by researchers in Spain and published in the journal “Nutrients,” there may be a connection between the two. The study suggests that small molecules known as miRNAs could play a crucial role in linking unhealthy eating habits with the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease, a prevalent form of dementia affecting millions worldwide, is characterized by a progressive decline in memory and cognitive functions. While the exact causes of the disease are still being researched, factors such as genetics, age, and lifestyle have been identified as playing a significant role in its development.
To investigate the potential link between a high-fat diet and Alzheimer’s disease, scientists from Universitat Rovira i Virgili conducted a study using two groups of mice: normal mice and mice genetically modified to exhibit symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s disease. Half of each group was fed a regular diet, while the other half consumed a high-fat diet. The mice on the high-fat diet showed weight gain and exhibited issues with glucose and insulin metabolism, characteristics commonly associated with Type 2 diabetes.
The study revealed significant changes in the levels of specific miRNAs in the mice on the high-fat diet. One miRNA, called miR-19a-3p, was found to be elevated in the blood, cortex, and hippocampus of mice exhibiting Alzheimer’s-like symptoms, as well as in the blood and hippocampus of normal mice on the high-fat diet. This suggests that miR-19a-3p could be a key factor linking unhealthy dietary habits, metabolic issues, and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
In addition to miR-19a-3p, the high-fat diet also increased levels of miR-34a and miR-146a in the blood of both groups of mice. Previous studies have linked these miRNAs to insulin resistance, inflammation, and the formation of toxic protein clumps in the brain, commonly seen in Alzheimer’s patients.
On the other hand, researchers identified another miRNA, miR-29c, that was elevated in the blood and hippocampus of normal mice on the high-fat diet. This particular miRNA is known to target and reduce levels of an enzyme called BACE1, which plays a role in producing toxic amyloid proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
The findings of the study suggest that a high-fat diet can impact the levels of essential miRNAs in the body and brain, potentially exacerbating Alzheimer’s symptoms. This highlights the potential of targeting these small molecules with new drugs or diagnostic tests for Alzheimer’s disease.
While further research is needed to fully understand the implications of these findings, the study emphasizes the importance of diet in cognitive health, especially as individuals age. Choosing brain-friendly foods like leafy greens, fatty fish, and berries over saturated fats may offer benefits beyond physical health, potentially reducing the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.