Innovative Health Strategies for Neurodegenerative Diseases: Bioactives, Functional Foods, and Advanced Diagnostics
Neurodegenerative and chronic diseases represent one of the most pressing global health challenges of our time. For example, Alzheimer’s disease currently affects over 6 million Americans, and more than 55 million people worldwide have dementia—with projections estimating these numbers could soar to 139 million by 2050. Moreover, chronic conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes account for nearly 70% of global deaths, underscoring the urgent need for early intervention and innovative therapies. In parallel, the functional food market is projected to reach almost $275 billion by 2025, reflecting a growing demand for nutritional solutions that promote health and prevent disease.
Against this backdrop, Dr. Aynur Muduroglu-Kirmizibekmez’s research from the Department of Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation of Nisantasi University bridges multiple disciplines by integrating natural and synthetic bioactive compounds, advanced diagnostic technologies for early Alzheimer’s detection, and novel functional food innovations. This holistic approach aims to enhance overall health and mitigate the burden of chronic diseases.
Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Compound
Anthocyanins from black carrots are versatile bioactive compounds with applications in food and health. In kefir, they influence microbial communities dose-dependently [1]. Low concentrations promote beneficial bacterial diversity, while higher concentrations enhance specific probiotic dominance. Anthocyanins also combat oxidative stress and neuronal damage in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s [2]. They protect dopaminergic neurons and offer a non-toxic dietary approach to neuroprotection.
Similarly, rosemary extract has emerged as a natural enhancer of cognitive function [3]. A study involving young adults revealed that consuming rosemary extract led to prominent improvements in brainwave activity, particularly in alpha waves associated with relaxation and focus.
On the synthetic front, novel N-acyl hydrazone compounds significantly affect cancer treatment [4]. These compounds were selectively toxic to cancer cells while sparing normal cells, demonstrating potential as targeted anticancer agents with minimal side effects. One of the compounds exhibited potent activity against breast and prostate cancer cells.
Advanced Diagnostics for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Early detection of neurodegenerative conditions is a cornerstone of Dr. Muduroglu-Kirmizibekmez’s integrated approach. The NishKit Sporadic Alzheimer Risk Detection qPCR Kit is a significant advancement that provides comprehensive genetic screening beyond the traditional APOE genotype focus. It analyzes multiple genes and allelic variants linked to Sporadic Alzheimer’s disease using buccal swabs and purified DNA, ensuring reliable risk allele detection. By calculating a cumulative risk factor from published odds ratios, the kit gives clinicians a personalized profile, facilitating early identification and management of individuals at high risk for Alzheimer’s.
Functional Foods and Nutraceutical Innovations
Complementing pharmacological and diagnostic advances, nutritional interventions through functional foods have become a key preventive strategy. NeoHealth Functional Granolas and Functional Chocolate exemplify this trend. The granolas come in variants such as Zinde, Zerdemix, Purple, and Vitamin and Mineral, enriched with bioactive ingredients like rosemary, olive leaf, turmeric extract, anthocyanins, vitamin C, and magnesium. Similarly, the chocolates incorporate rosemary, olive leaf extracts or anthocyanins, employing advanced extraction and microencapsulation for sustained release. These nutraceutical innovations promote overall well-being and combat chronic diseases.
The research led by Dr. Aynur Muduroglu-Kirmizibekmez exemplifies an innovative, multidisciplinary approach to health care. By integrating natural and synthetic bioactive compounds, pioneering diagnostic tools for neurodegenerative diseases, and novel functional food products, this work lays the foundation for a comprehensive strategy to improve disease prevention, early detection, and overall health management. The convergence of these diverse fields addresses current health challenges and paves the way for future advancements in personalized medicine and nutritional therapeutics.
*Notes: This article provides research teasers for each reference to showcase the novelties
References
[1] Aydin, S., Erözden, A. A., Tavşanlı, N., Müdüroğlu, A., Çalışkan, M., & Kara, İ. (2022). Anthocyanin addition to kefir: Metagenomic analysis of microbial community structure. Current Microbiology, 79(11), 327. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00284-022-03017-x
[2] Zaim, M., Kara, I., & Muduroglu, A. (2021). Black carrot anthocyanins exhibit neuroprotective effects against MPP+ induced cell death and cytotoxicity via inhibition of oxidative stress mediated apoptosis. Cytotechnology, 73(6), 827–840. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10616-021-00500-4
[3] Muduroglu-Kirmizibekmez, A., Cati, C., Onder, A., Aydin, S., & Kara, I. (2024). Investigation of the acute impact of rosemary consumption on brain activity in healthy volunteers. Nutritional Neuroscience, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415X.2024.2370729
[4] Biliz, Y., Hasdemir, B., Başpınar Küçük, H., Zaim, M., Şentürk, A. M., Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez, A., & Kara, İ. (2023). Novel n -acyl hydrazone compounds as promising anticancer agents: Synthesis and molecular docking studies. ACS Omega, 8(22), 20073–20084. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.3c02361
Innovative Strategies in Health: Integrating Bioactive Compounds, Functional Foods, and Advanced Diagnostics for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurodegenerative and chronic diseases represent one of the most pressing global health challenges of our time. For example, Alzheimer’s disease currently affects over 6 million Americans, and more than 55 million people worldwide have dementia—with projections estimating these numbers could soar to 139 million by 2050. Moreover, chronic conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes account for nearly 70% of global deaths, underscoring the urgent need for early intervention and innovative therapies. In parallel, the functional food market is projected to reach almost $275 billion by 2025, reflecting a growing demand for nutritional solutions that promote health and prevent disease.
Against this backdrop, Dr. Aynur Muduroglu-Kirmizibekmez’s research from the Department of Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation of Nisantasi University bridges multiple disciplines by integrating natural and synthetic bioactive compounds, advanced diagnostic technologies for early Alzheimer’s detection, and novel functional food innovations. This holistic approach aims to enhance overall health and mitigate the burden of chronic diseases.
Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Compound
Anthocyanins from black carrots are versatile bioactive compounds with applications in food and health. In kefir, they influence microbial communities dose-dependently [1]. Low concentrations promote beneficial bacterial diversity, while higher concentrations enhance specific probiotic dominance. Anthocyanins also combat oxidative stress and neuronal damage in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s [2]. They protect dopaminergic neurons and offer a non-toxic dietary approach to neuroprotection.
Similarly, rosemary extract has emerged as a natural enhancer of cognitive function [3]. A study involving young adults revealed that consuming rosemary extract led to prominent improvements in brainwave activity, particularly in alpha waves associated with relaxation and focus.
On the synthetic front, novel N-acyl hydrazone compounds significantly affect cancer treatment [4]. These compounds were selectively toxic to cancer cells while sparing normal cells, demonstrating potential as targeted anticancer agents with minimal side effects. One of the compounds exhibited potent activity against breast and prostate cancer cells.
Advanced Diagnostics for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Early detection of neurodegenerative conditions is a cornerstone of Dr. Muduroglu-Kirmizibekmez’s integrated approach. The NishKit Sporadic Alzheimer Risk Detection qPCR Kit is a significant advancement that provides comprehensive genetic screening beyond the traditional APOE genotype focus. It analyzes multiple genes and allelic variants linked to Sporadic Alzheimer’s disease using buccal swabs and purified DNA, ensuring reliable risk allele detection. By calculating a cumulative risk factor from published odds ratios, the kit gives clinicians a personalized profile, facilitating early identification and management of individuals at high risk for Alzheimer’s.
Functional Foods and Nutraceutical Innovations
Complementing pharmacological and diagnostic advances, nutritional interventions through functional foods have become a key preventive strategy. NeoHealth Functional Granolas and Functional Chocolate exemplify this trend. The granolas come in variants such as Zinde, Zerdemix, Purple, and Vitamin and Mineral, enriched with bioactive ingredients like rosemary, olive leaf, turmeric extract, anthocyanins, vitamin C, and magnesium. Similarly, the chocolates incorporate rosemary, olive leaf extracts or anthocyanins, employing advanced extraction and microencapsulation for sustained release. These nutraceutical innovations promote overall well-being and combat chronic diseases.
The research led by Dr. Aynur Muduroglu-Kirmizibekmez exemplifies an innovative, multidisciplinary approach to health care. By integrating natural and synthetic bioactive compounds, pioneering diagnostic tools for neurodegenerative diseases, and novel functional food products, this work lays the foundation for a comprehensive strategy to improve disease prevention, early detection, and overall health management. The convergence of these diverse fields addresses current health challenges and paves the way for future advancements in personalized medicine and nutritional therapeutics.
*Notes: This article provides research teasers for each reference to showcase the novelties
References
[1] Aydin, S., Erözden, A. A., Tavşanlı, N., Müdüroğlu, A., Çalışkan, M., & Kara, İ. (2022). Anthocyanin addition to kefir: Metagenomic analysis of microbial community structure. Current Microbiology, 79(11), 327. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00284-022-03017-x
[2] Zaim, M., Kara, I., & Muduroglu, A. (2021). Black carrot anthocyanins exhibit neuroprotective effects against MPP+ induced cell death and cytotoxicity via inhibition of oxidative stress mediated apoptosis. Cytotechnology, 73(6), 827–840. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10616-021-00500-4
[3] Muduroglu-Kirmizibekmez, A., Cati, C., Onder, A., Aydin, S., & Kara, I. (2024). Investigation of the acute impact of rosemary consumption on brain activity in healthy volunteers. Nutritional Neuroscience, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415X.2024.2370729
[4] Biliz, Y., Hasdemir, B., Başpınar Küçük, H., Zaim, M., Şentürk, A. M., Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez, A., & Kara, İ. (2023). Novel n -acyl hydrazone compounds as promising anticancer agents: Synthesis and molecular docking studies. ACS Omega, 8(22), 20073–20084. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.3c02361
