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Dietary cyclic dipeptides, apoptosis and psychiatric disorders: a hypothesis

Bruce A Semon1

  • 1Wisconsin Institute of Nutrition Research Foundation, 6789 N. Green Bay Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53209, USA.

Medical Hypotheses
|April 11, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Cyclic dipeptides, found in food and yeast, may contribute to psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia by triggering apoptosis pathways. Further research is needed to understand their role in neurodevelopmental changes and inform prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Biochemistry
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Cyclic dipeptides are compounds found in various foods and synthesized by intestinal yeast.
  • Some cyclic dipeptides, like cyclo(proline-phenylalanine), are known to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer research.
  • Apoptosis pathway activation is implicated in neurodevelopmental abnormalities observed in schizophrenia, autistic disorder, and Alzheimer's disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the potential role of cyclic dipeptides in the etiology of psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia.
  • To investigate if cyclic dipeptides synthesized by intestinal yeast contribute to neurodevelopmental changes associated with psychiatric conditions.
  • To assess the significance of cyclic dipeptides in the context of neurotransmission and neurophysiology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on cyclic dipeptides, apoptosis, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Analysis of the presence and synthesis of cyclic dipeptides in food sources and Candida albicans.
  • Connecting the known functions of cyclic dipeptides in apoptosis to their potential impact on brain development and psychiatric conditions.

Main Results:

  • Cyclic dipeptides are present in common food items (malt, cocoa, beer) and produced by intestinal yeast (Candida albicans).
  • The mechanism of apoptosis activation by cyclic dipeptides suggests a potential link to neurodevelopmental abnormalities.
  • These dipeptides may influence fetal and postnatal brain development, potentially contributing to brain changes seen in schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders.

Conclusions:

  • Cyclic dipeptides represent a potential etiological factor in psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and autistic disorder.
  • Further research into cyclic dipeptides is warranted to elucidate their precise role in neurodevelopment and psychiatric conditions.
  • Understanding the impact of these compounds could pave the way for novel prevention and treatment strategies for brain disorders.

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