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Comparing Mediterranean and Western Diets: Cognitive and Microbiota Effects in Middle-Aged Rats.

Rebecca J Solch-Ottaiano1,2,3, Colin Harper1,3, Madison Prats1,2,3

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The Mediterranean diet (MeDi) shows trending benefits for cognitive function and significantly alters gut microbiota in middle-aged rats compared to the Western diet (WD). This short-term intervention impacts brain health biomarkers, suggesting diet

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Microbiology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Cognitive decline is a growing concern in aging populations.
  • Dietary patterns significantly influence brain aging and cognitive trajectories.
  • The Western diet (WD) is linked to cognitive decline, while the Mediterranean diet (MeDi) supports healthy brain aging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effects of MeDi and WD on gut microbiota and cognitive health in middle-aged rats.
  • To investigate if MeDi maintains cognitive health and alters gut microbiota composition compared to WD.
  • To assess the impact of short-term dietary interventions on brain health biomarkers.

Main Methods:

  • Middle-aged Fischer344 rats were assigned to MeDi, WD, or chow diets for 12 weeks.
  • Fecal samples underwent 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyze gut microbial composition.
  • Cognitive function was assessed using Y-maze, Morris Water Maze, and Radial Arm Water Maze.
  • Hippocampal gene and protein expression related to barrier integrity, glial cell activity, and neuroplasticity were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • MeDi consumption showed trending improvements in cognitive function compared to WD.
  • Distinct diet-dependent gut microbial phenotypes were observed, with significant differences in 28 bacterial taxa.
  • Hippocampal gene expression related to glial cell activity (GFAP, Iba1, TREM2) changed with diet.
  • Short-term dietary intervention maintained blood-brain barrier integrity and neuroplasticity.

Conclusions:

  • A longer duration of dietary intervention may be necessary to observe robust cognitive changes driven by microbiota and neurobiological alterations.
  • Short-term MeDi intake in middle-aged rats significantly impacts gut microbiota composition.
  • Diet significantly influences gut microbiota and gene expression of brain health biomarkers, even with short-term intervention.