Flora costeira para promoção do bem-estar mental: Desenvolvimento de suplementos alimentares a partir de compostos de plantas dunares com impacto na sinalização BDNF-TrkB

NUTRIBRAIN employs a multidisciplinary approach to address highly prevalent psychiatric disorders, focusing on the emerging field of nutritional psychiatry. The project’s goal is to create and characterize neuroplastic food supplements derived from bioactive phenolic compounds sourced from underutilized dune plants through eco-friendly methods. Nutritional psychiatry has gained recognition for its role in preventing mental illness and enhancing mental well-being on both individual and societal levels. Evidence regarding the profound impact of diet on mental health has been shown. Key nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are crucial for brain function and neurotransmitter production, influencing mood, cognition, and overall mental well-being [7,8]. A healthy diet or supplementation can help prevent the onset of mental disorders such as MDD, anxiety, and even cognitive decline as well as their severity, thus contributing to reducing the burden of mental illness and associated healthcare costs [7]. Further research in nutritional psychiatry focusing on BDNF-TrkB signalling has the potential to yield tailored interventions and personalized dietary guidance for individuals at risk of or living with mental health disorders. This tailor made approach can significantly enhance the effectiveness of interventions for each patient. Four specific objectives (SO) are outlined below: SO1: Extraction and characterization of bioactive phenolic compounds. This involves extracting and characterizing bioactive phenolic compounds from coastal dune plant species using eco-friendly methods such as microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and subcritical water extraction (SWE). Various extraction parameters will be optimized, and the chemical profile of the optimal extracts will be analyzed using HPLC-DAD and LC-MS/MS. Moreover, to ensure safety, rigorous testing protocols will be implemented to assess the presence of contaminants in the extracted plant compounds. SO2: In silico studies for identification of natural compounds binding to TrkB. Molecular docking tools will screen and identify natural compounds, particularly flavonoids, with the potential to bind to TrkB. This will involve screening 80 to 100 flavonoid compounds to identify binding moieties and receptor domains contributing to flavonoid binding. Depending on the results obtained, SO1 may also include a step of fractionation and isolation of specific compounds from the crude extracts. SO3: Evaluation of Phenolic Compounds' Influence on Neuroplasticity Targets.The effects of phenolic compounds (including crude extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds) on various targets associated with neuroplasticity will be assessed in TrkB-SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell lines. The possible targets investigated will include the probable impact of phenolic compounds on proBDNF cleavage to mature BDNF, mature BDNF expression, BDNF vesicle trafficking, TrkB vesicle trafficking, and binding to TrkB receptors and downstream pathways activation. SO4: Formulation and Characterization of Neuroplastic Food Supplement. One or two formulations incorporating identified bioactive phenolic compounds with neuroplastic potential will be developed into food supplements (capsules). The supplements will be characterized in terms of organoleptic properties, accelerated stability, bioavailability, and potential neuroplastic effects.