Beneficial effects of dietary restriction in aging brain

Aging is a multifactorial complex process that leads to the deterioration of biological functions wherein its underlying mechanism is not fully elucidated. It affects the organism at the molecular and cellular level that contributes to the deterioration of structural integrity of the organs. The central nervous system is the most vulnerable organ affected by aging and its effect is highly heterogeneous. Aging causes alteration in the structure, metabolism and physiology of the brain leading to impaired cognitive and motor-neural functions. Dietary restriction (DR), a robust mechanism that extends lifespan in various organisms, ameliorates brain aging by reducing oxidative stress, improving mitochondrial function, activating anti-inflammatory responses, promoting neurogenesis and increasing synaptic plasticity. It also protects and prevents age-related structural changes. DR alleviates many age-associated diseases including neurodegeneration and improves cognitive functions. DR inhibits/activates nutrient signaling cascades such as insulin/IGF-1, mTOR, AMPK and sirtuins. Because of its sensitivity to energy status and hormones, AMPK is considered as the global nutrient sensor. This review will present an elucidative potential role of dietary restriction in the prevention of phenotypic features during aging in brain and its diverse mechanisms.