TLDR
Reelin is a glycoprotein crucial for brain development and function, influencing neuronal migration, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive processes. Understanding the pathways regulating Reelin and the effects of various phytochemicals on its expression can offer insights into potential therapeutic strategies for cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. However, given the PI3K-Akt pathway’s role in both brain health and cancer, careful consideration is necessary when targeting Reelin upregulation, especially in cancer patients.
Role of Reelin in the Brain
Neuronal Migration and Positioning: During brain development, Reelin is essential for proper neuronal layering in the cortex and hippocampus.
Synaptic Plasticity and Function: In the adult brain, Reelin promotes synaptic plasticity, crucial for learning and memory.
Cognitive Health: Adequate Reelin levels are associated with cognitive resilience, while reduced Reelin is linked to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Epigenetic Modifications: Histone acetylation and reduced DNA methylation at the RELN promoter enhance its expression.
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors
Physical Exercise: Promotes neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, increasing Reelin levels.
Cognitive Stimulation: Learning and complex tasks enhance Reelin expression.
Dietary and Nutritional Factors
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These support Reelin expression.
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Phytochemicals Upregulating Reelin
Curcumin
Mechanism: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, modulation of CREB and BDNF pathways.
Resveratrol
Mechanism: Activation of sirtuins, reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation.
Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG)
Mechanism: Antioxidant properties, modulation of PI3K-Akt pathway.
Quercetin
Mechanism: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, modulation of neuroprotective pathways.
Pterostilbene
Mechanism: Similar to resveratrol, neuroprotective through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.
Luteolin
Mechanism: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, enhancement of Reelin expression.
Hesperidin
Mechanism: Neuroprotective effects through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions.
Potential Risks of Reelin Upregulation
PI3K-Akt Pathway Activation: While beneficial for neuronal survival and plasticity, activation of this pathway can contribute to tumor growth and survival in cancer.
Cancer Considerations: Upregulating Reelin might exacerbate cancer by enhancing the PI3K-Akt pathway. However, many phytochemicals that upregulate Reelin also exhibit anti-cancer properties so perhaps it's not entirely that important.
Role of Reelin in the Brain
Routes of Reelin Activation
Neuronal Activity
Neurotransmitters and Neurotrophic Factors
Transcriptional and Epigenetic Regulation
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors
Dietary and Nutritional Factors
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Phytochemicals Upregulating Reelin
Curcumin
Resveratrol
Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG)
Quercetin
Pterostilbene
Luteolin
Hesperidin
Potential Risks of Reelin Upregulation
Thank you for the useful information OP!
No prob! But I'm not the op lol
Well, thank you for all you do!!! 😸