New research suggests that certain foods could play a role in the development of mood disorders by slowing down signals to the brain.
Dr. Kirill Martemyanov, along with a team of postdoctoral researchers at the University of Florida, is investigating potential new treatments for depression.
Dr. Martemyanov’s research focused on understanding how brain cell sensors receive and transmit information, which led to the discovery of the link between the gene receptor GPR158 and stress-induced depression.
Specifically, their experiments showed that mice without the GPR158 gene were remarkably resilient to chronic stress.
The results, which have been published in the journal Science, bring fresh insight into the biological origins of major depression and have the potential to clear the path towards creating faster-acting medications to address these challenging mood disorders.
The discovery of the unexpected structure of GPR158 yielded another surprising result: the associated signaling molecule functioned as an inhibitor instead of an activator in cells. The crucial part of GPR158 interacted with a complementary molecule that slowed down its activity when glycine bound to it, rather than speeding it up.
Thibaut Laboute, the first author, explains that receptors such as GPR158, known as G protein Coupled Receptors, usually bind to G proteins. In contrast, this receptor was binding to an RGS protein that had the opposite effect of activation.
For many years, scientists have studied the functions of cell receptors and their associated signaling partners. However, receptors such as GPR158, which did not have known signalers, were referred to as “orphan receptors.”
Nonetheless, the discovery of the relationship between GPR158 and glycine implies that it is no longer an orphan receptor. Instead, the research team has rechristened it mGlyR, which stands for “metabotropic glycine receptor.
While glycine is marketed as a nutritional supplement that purportedly boosts mood, it is a basic protein-building block that influences various cell types in complex and varied ways. Although glycine can transmit deceleration signals in specific cells, it can also transmit excitatory signals in others. Moreover, some studies have linked glycine to the progression of aggressive prostate cancer.
Foods that are rich in glycine, such as red meat and dairy products, may impede brain signaling, which could contribute to low mood. Therefore, consuming foods like burgers and ice cream could potentially have a negative impact on one’s mood.
Maintaining a nutritious diet can safeguard your mental well-being.
The brain depends on a consistent supply of glucose as its primary fuel, which is mainly derived from starchy carbohydrates. It is recommended to consume small, frequent meals to maintain an optimal mood.
To maintain brain health, a sufficient intake of the right kinds of fats is essential. Olive oil or rapeseed oil for cooking, nuts, seeds, and nut oil dressings on salads are all examples of beneficial fats.
Trans-fats, found in processed meats, pre-packaged cakes and biscuits, and ready meals, appear to be harmful to brain structure and function.
Whole grains, peas, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables are all high in vitamins and minerals that contribute to improved brain health.
Additionally, they are digested at a slow pace, providing a steady and gradual supply of glucose to both your brain and body.
Moreover, these foods are abundant in folate and zinc, which studies indicate are crucial for managing depression.
Protein is a good source of tryptophan, which has been shown to potentially assist with depression. Eggs, poultry, spinach, and pulses are all excellent protein sources.
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