Extra Flashcards
What is the role of dopamine in human behaviour?
Neuromodulation of processes in brain regions related to behavioural control, such as
executive functioning/cognitive control/goal-directed behaviour and motivational control (control in face
of a reward); (optional: various dopaminergic networks are mentioned, such as nigrostriatal,
mesolimbic, mesocortical projections
What is the evidence in humans that probiotics can affect brain
functioning and mood? Briefly mention 5 examples.
- influenced mood ratings on questionnaires (e.g. LEIDS-r)
- reduced depressive symptoms
- reduced neural emotion reactivity
- increased associative learning
- altered resting EEG
- increased working memory after stress (in relation to prefrontal cortex functioning)
Describe two arguments linking nutrition to depression which were discussed in
the lecture
consumption of processed foods is associated
with higher risk of depression.
A Mediterranean diet is associated with lower risk of depression.
In more detail high fish consumption is associated with a reduced risk of depression. Lastly, depression is related with poor nutrient status
Describe the moodfood project and the first results
-There is a need for solid scientific evidence on the role of diet in the prevention of depression.
- relation between food intake & behaviour and depression will be examined measuring lifestyle, environmental and psychological mechanisms, and moreover taking into account obesity and social environment on food intake and depression.
-Aims: To assess the role of a-priori dietary patterns in depression in a number of cohorts using a standardized
protocol and meta-analyse the findings.
-Meta-analyses showed that adults following a healthy dietary pattern have fewer depressive symptoms and lower
risk of developing high depressive symptoms
Describe the moodfood prevention trial and discuss the first results
-Multi-centre depression prevention trial
-Aims: to examine the effectiveness of two different nutritional strategies to prevent a new episode of major
depressive order. To examine the effect of one of the nutritional strategies on food consumption and the
environmental impact of the diet in high-risk overweight persons with subsyndromal symptoms of depression.
-Multi-nutrient supplements
-Food-related behavioural change.
-No effect of food-related behavioural change or supplements or their combination on the onset of depression.
-(Lower onset of MDD than expected. Supplements had no beneficial effect on depressive symptoms, anxiety
symptoms and health utility measure compared to placebo. Food-related behavioural change had a significant
effect on anxiety symptoms at 12 months follow-up compared to no F-BA, and had an effect on incident MDD
when taking into account good adherence.)
-These interventions are not advised for the prevention of depression in this high risk population for depression.
‘Microbiota is essential for social development in mice.’
A) Describe at least one (preclinical) study in which researchers found evidence for
the above statement. Include in your answer the objective, important method and
result(s) of the study
germ free mice have enhanced
repetitive behaviour and recolonization of these germ free mice restored social (repetitive) behaviour
Explain how microbes might affect brain function, give at least 2 arguments
Microbes can produce neurotransmitters and via the enteric nervous system and/or vagal nerve reach the central
nervous system.
-Microbial metabolites affect the central nervous system.
-Microbes affect gut barrier function and the mucosal immune system, thereby affecting the central nervous
system
Describe how the gut-brain-axis could be of importance in autism
Changed microbiome composition
-Impaired intestinal barrier
-Abdominal problems
-Strong correlation between GI problems & ASD severity
-(mild) mucosal and systemic inflammatio
Describe at
least one promising human study examining the gut-brain-axis in autism
18 autistic children received a FMT after 2wks of antibiotics and bowel cleanse, since they suffered from
GI problems; afterwards, overall bacterial diversity increased, improved GI symptoms, improved GI behavioural
symptoms over a 18 week course period; slight improvements still as well on autism rating scale and social
responsiveness; limitation: not able to decipher whether/which effects were due to antibiotic treatment or FMT!
Current observational evidence for food-related behaviour and depression?
- Depressive symptoms are associated with perceived barriers to healthy eating (Fulkerson et al, 2004)
- Stress-driven eating is associated with eating more energy dense high fat foods (Laitinen et al, 2002)
