Impact of mushroom nutrition on gut microbiota modulation and association with neuroprotective capacity

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of memory and cognitive functions. To date, an effective treatment is not established, but it has been suggested that AD is associated with a decreased level of some microbial-derived products, such as shortchain fatty acids (SCFAs), gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), and serotonin. Thus, gut microbiota modulation has been proposed as a potential tool for AD prevention and control. Given the importance of diet in this modulation, this PhD program explores the modulatory effect of mushroom biomass nutrition due to their prebiotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Regarding this, the direct neuroprotective potential of medicinal and edible mushroom species, as well as their modulatory effect on the production of gut microbiota-related neuroactive metabolites, will be accessed. Their impact through the gut-brain axis on inflammatory brain cells and in AD pathologies will be unrolled to propose novel strategies for preventing or ameliorating this neurological condition.