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Review
. 2024 Oct 10;25(20):10909.
doi: 10.3390/ijms252010909.

Obesity Control and Supplementary Nutraceuticals as Cofactors of Brain Plasticity in Multiple Sclerosis Populations

Lorena Ciumărnean  1 , Oliviu-Florențiu Sârb  2 , Nicu-Cătălin Drăghici  2   3 , Octavia Sălăgean  4 , Mircea-Vasile Milaciu  1 , Olga-Hilda Orășan  1 , Călin-Vasile Vlad  1 , Irina-Maria Vlad  2 , Teodora Alexescu  1 , Ioana Para  1 , Simina-Felicia Țărmure  1 , Elisabeta-Ioana Hirișcău  4 , Gabriela-Bombonica Dogaru  5
Affiliations
Review

Obesity Control and Supplementary Nutraceuticals as Cofactors of Brain Plasticity in Multiple Sclerosis Populations

Lorena Ciumărnean et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration within the central nervous system. Brain plasticity, the brain's ability to adapt its structure and function, plays a crucial role in mitigating MS's impact. This paper explores the potential benefits of lifestyle changes and nutraceuticals on brain plasticity in the MS population. Lifestyle modifications, including physical activity and dietary adjustments, can enhance brain plasticity by upregulating neurotrophic factors, promoting synaptogenesis, and reducing oxidative stress. Nutraceuticals, such as vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants like alpha lipoic acid, have shown promise in supporting brain health through anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective mechanisms. Regular physical activity has been linked to increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and improved cognitive function. Dietary interventions, including caloric restriction and the intake of polyphenols, can also positively influence brain plasticity. Integrating these lifestyle changes and nutraceuticals into the management of MS can provide a complementary approach to traditional therapies, potentially improving neurological outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for the MS population.

Keywords: multiple sclerosis; neurodegeneration; neurorehabilitation; nutraceuticals; obesity.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 3
Figure 3
Proposed mechanisms of neurodegeneration through nutraceuticals’ interference.
Figure 1
Figure 1
Mechanisms involved in brain plasticity.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Proposed mechanisms of neurodegeneration in MS.
Figure 4
Figure 4
The cascade of mechanisms in obesity-induced neurodegeneration.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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