High-Fiber Diet Reduces Brain Inflammation in Older Mice
A diet rich in fiber helps reduce inflammation in murine brains.
According to a study conducted by University of Illinois researchers, published in Frontiers in Immunology, a fiber-rich diet reduces inflammation in mice over the age of 50, both in their guts and brain. This reduction in inflammation is attributed to the high levels of butyrate that are produced by fiber fermentation during digestion.
Study Abstract
The aging process can lead to chronic systemic inflammation, which may alter the neuroinflammation in the brain. Specifically, microglia change to a proinflammatory phenotype which predisposes them to hyperactivation when stimulated by peripheral immune signals. Certain nutrients may delay brain aging through preventing or reversing hyperactivation of microglia. Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), produced by bacteria in the colon. It has been studied extensively pharmacologically, primarily as a HDAC inhibitor. However, it also has anti-inflammatory properties and has improved memory in animal models. In this study, we show that butyrate is able to reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in microglia from aged mice.
Source:
https://www.leafscience.org/high-fiber-diet-reduces-brain-inflammation-in-older-mice/
