Posted on 12/07/2021 9:02:18 PM PST by ConservativeMind
Research at Nottingham Trent University investigated the role of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) a molecule which is present in people's diets and produced by the body during digestion of fish.
As foods containing TMAO are ingested, the molecule is broken down by bacteria in the gut. The breakdown product is taken up into the bloodstream and converted back to TMAO, which interacts with organs throughout the body.
Importantly, the brain's circulatory and vascular system is exposed to TMAO, which interacts directly with the 'blood-brain barrier." This barrier works to prevent potentially harmful toxins in the body from reaching the brain.
As people become older the blood-brain barrier becomes 'leaky' and more easily penetrated by these toxins.
The researchers have found, however, that TMAO makes the blood-brain barrier less leaky.
They found that the long-term presence of TMAO in the diet positively influenced both blood-brain barrier integrity and cognition in mice—preventing recognition memory impairments—compared to the absence of the molecule.
The team says that it is the first such demonstration of a direct interaction of microbe-derived metabolites with the blood-brain barrier and its protective function.
…She said: "Microbiota-produced metabolites come from gut bacteria and have numerous effects on our bodies. We have demonstrated that TMAO—a bacterial metabolite associated with the human gut microbiome and found in high quantities in fish and seafood—has a direct and beneficial interaction with the blood-brain barrier and influences cognitive function.
"We have long known that eating fish is good for your brain—now we can add the gut bacteria as a fresh aspect to this old adage."
Dr. Rosa Sancho, Head of Research, said: "The blood-brain barrier is an important line of defense against damage and infection. During diseases like Alzheimer's, the blood-brain barrier can break down, leaving the brain susceptible to damage.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
High fasting TMAO is believed to increase soft plaque build up within artery walls.
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That’s the exact graphic that came to mind!
LMAO at TMAO
If only the ocean was not so polluted now. To much fish can be very bad for you.
I wonder if fish oil has any TMAO?
“LMAO at TMAO”
LOL
It’s always something!!! Does the radiation and mercury in the seafood offset the TMAO?/s
Rd later.
Ok! Off to Long John Silvers... for my health, doncha know.
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