A diet rich in fats, protects brain cells

A diet high in fat contributes to the formation of a unique protein that protects brain cells from damage. This is the conclusion of scientists School of Medicine at the University of California (USA). "As a result of hard work we have been able to explain how the immature brain cells defend themselves, - said the lead researcher, Professor of Neurology Tallie Baram. - Knowing this, we can understand the processes occurring in the adult brain." During the study, whose results were published in February in the online version of the journal "Annals of Neurology", Dr Baram and colleagues found very high levels of specific protein UCP2 (uncoupling protein 2 - UCP2) in the matter of the brain newborn rats. Previous studies have shown that eating foods high in fat stimulates protein UCP2. Rats meet their nutritional needs through breast milk, which contains a large amount of fat. According to researchers, high levels of UCP2 can protect the brain from damage in patients with epilepsy. Epipripadki lead to damage and destroy nerve cells by disrupting mitochondrial function. Neonatal and infant brain is protected from such damage is due to the large number of UCP2. Dr. Baram and colleagues suggest that the protein UCP2, found in the membranes of mitochondria, decrease the formation of reactive oxygen derivatives, and reduce the likelihood of damage to brain cells. Protective properties of proteins UCP2 may explain why the ketogenic diet or fat-containing beneficial for patients with severe, resistant to drug treatment, forms of epilepsy. "Our findings may be useful as a treatment for children and adults alike, but this does not mean that epilepsy should just eat a lot of fat, - says Dr. Baram .- This diet therapy is carried out only under the supervision of specialists. At the same time, we hope that the results obtained in the course of data will create diet foods and medicines, effectively activating proteins UCP2 ". http://medserv.no Medicus Amicus 2003, # 4 Source: Journal of Medicus Amicus № 4 2003 on the site http://www.medicusamicus.com/index.php?action=256-12-25bc-37-45