Alzheimer’s disease (AD) usually shows symptoms like memory loss and difficulty in thinking and decision-making. It is commonly found in people of old age. A recent study conducted by researchers from the Universitat Rovira I Virgili (URV) has revealed why eating fatty foods, especially high in saturated fats, might increase the risk of AD. This research was mainly focused on certain molecules in the blood and brain that change after consumption of a diet rich in saturated fats.
The research published in the journal Nutrients involved mice who developed AD in adulthood. Previous studies also showed that mice developed AD sooner when they were fed a diet high in saturated fats. But the reason behind it was unknown. In this study, researchers studied the expression of fifteen small molecules of RNA known as miRNAs. These molecules are responsible for genetic regulations in the blood and brain tissues of these mice.
These mice were given a diet with high saturated fats for six months. When researchers observed them, they found that these mice had gained weight and became less sensitive to insulin-a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. These changes were similar to what happens in people with obesity or type 2 diabetes.
The researchers also noticed that certain miRNAs changed in the blood and brain cells of these mice. This change was linked to processes such as tau protein production, the deposition of amyloid plaques, and inflammation that can severely affect the brain.
One of the researchers said these results helped them understand how obesity and type 2 diabetes might be linked to AD. He also said that this research gave them clues for preventing and treating the disease. This research will help cut the risk of AD in the future.
As the results of this study show that the consumption of food high in saturated fats increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, people should avoid such food. Healthcare professionals can target miRNAs and reduce the risk of AD in the future.
Reference link:
Melina Rojas-Criollo et al, Effects of a High-Fat Diet on Insulin-Related miRNAs in Plasma and Brain Tissue in APPSwe/PS1dE9 and Wild-Type C57BL/6J Mice, Nutrients (2024). DOI: 10.3390/nu16070955
