Browsing by Author "Mateus, Nuno"
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- Gut microbiota modulation accounts for the neuroprotective properties of anthocyaninsPublication . Marques, Claudia; Fernandes, Iva; Meireles, Manuela; Faria, Ana; Spencer, Jeremy P. E.; Mateus, Nuno; Calhau, ConceicaoHigh-fat (HF) diets are thought to disrupt the profile of the gut microbiota in a manner that may contribute to the neuroinflammation and neurobehavioral changes observed in obesity. Accordingly, we hypothesize that by preventing HF-diet induced dysbiosis it is possible to prevent neuroinflammation and the consequent neurological disorders. Anthocyanins are flavonoids found in berries that exhibit anti-neuroinflammatory properties in the context of obesity. Here, we demonstrate that the blackberry anthocyanin-rich extract (BE) can modulate gut microbiota composition and counteract some of the features of HF-diet induced dysbiosis. In addition, we show that the modifications in gut microbial environment are partially linked with the anti-neuroinflammatory properties of BE. Through fecal metabolome analysis, we unravel the mechanism by which BE participates in the bilateral communication between the gut and the brain. BE alters host tryptophan metabolism, increasing the production of the neuroprotective metabolite kynurenic acid. These findings strongly suggest that dietary manipulation of the gut microbiota with anthocyanins can attenuate the neurologic complications of obesity, thus expanding the classification of psychobiotics to anthocyanins.
- Neuroprotective effects of anthocyanins are mediated by gut microbiotaPublication . Marques, Claudia; Fernandes, Iva; Meireles, Manuela; Faria, Ana; Spencer, Jeremy; Mateus, Nuno; Calhau, ConceicaoThe microbes that collectively inhabit the gut, the gut microbiota, constitute the largest and most diverse community in the body. Besides having an important role in the regulation of host energy metabolism, the gut microbiota can also influence neurodevelopment, modulate behavior and contribute to the development of neurological disorders. High-fat (HF) diets are thought to disrupt the profile of the gut microbiota in a manner that may contribute to the neuroinflammation and neurobehavioral changes observed in obesity. Accordingly, we hypothesized that by preventing HF-diet induced dysbiosis it is possible to prevent neuroinflammation and the consequent neurological disorders.