Nutrition, Neuroinflammation and Cognition
Pages 93-103
Neha Vaidya and Subhadra Mandalika

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2015.04.03.4

Published: 28 October 2015

Abstract: Activation of microglia and astrocytes leads to the production of cytokines and other inflammatory mediators which may contribute to the apoptotic cell death of neurons observed in many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Vulnerability of the central nervous system (CNS) to oxidative and inflammatory stress increases with age and has been postulated to be a leading contributing factor to the cognitive impairment and thereby development of neurodegenerative diseases. Suppression of microglial production of neurotoxic mediators may result in neuroprotection. This heightens the interest in the development of neuroinflammation-targeted therapeutics. Nutrition is involved in the pathogenesis of age-related cognitive decline and also neurodegenerative diseases. Certain nutrients facilitate human brain function with their immediate and long term effects. On the other hand, malnutrition influences the brain throughout life, with profound implications on cognitive decline and dementia. Several phytochemicals with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, have been shown to repress microglial activation and exert neuroprotective effects. Thus this review highlights the role of foods, nutrients and phytochemicals in suppressing neuro-inflammation and also enhancing cognition.

Pomegranate Juice Improves Iron Status and Ameliorates Iron Deficiency Induced Cellular Changes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Pages 104-112
S.P. Balasubramani, G. Padmagiri, P. Venkatasubramanian, R. Vidyashankar and A. Godbole

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-5634.2015.04.03.5

Published: 28 October 2015

Abstract: Background: Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is most prevalent form of anemia affecting around 2 billion people world-wide. Ayurveda, an Indian system of medicine, describes pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruits as a Rasayana and a dietary supplement for managing a condition called Pandu, which is akin to IDA. Rasayanas are methods to maintain homeostasis by improving digestion, metabolism and absorption of nutrients and elimination of waste. Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been a well-accepted model organism to study iron metabolism.

Materials & Methods: In the current study we developed ‘anemic yeast’ by culturing yeast cells in iron-free medium with bathophenanthroline disulfonate (BPS). The effect of pomegranate juice (PJ) on reversing the ‘IDA like’ condition in yeast was studied.

Results: Culturing iron deficient (ID) cells in the presence of 10% PJ supplemented medium (IDP), improved iron status by at least 7 fold (p<0.0001) and reversed mitochondrial degeneration induced by iron deficiency. Percentage of healthy reticulate mitochondria in IDP cells was >30% higher (p<0.0001) than that in the ID cells grown in iron deficient medium (IDD) and at least 14% more than that in ID cells grown in 10% PJ-equivalent iron substituted media. Interestingly, PJ substitution improved the functional ferrous (Fe²⁺) form as well as the bio-assimilated heme form of iron, but not the ferric (Fe³⁺) storage form in ID cells.

Conclusion: Yeast model can be useful as a quick screen to identify potential nutritional supplements. Pomegranate’s potential role as a nutritional supplement in IDA management and as a hematinic is worthy of further research.