Mechanism Explanation on Improved Cognitive Ability of <scp>D</scp>-Gal Inducing Aged Mice Model by <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> MWFLp-182 via the Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis
Hui Nie, Xinxin Wang, Yanghe Luo, Fanhua Kong, Guangqing Mu, Xiaomeng Wu
Abstract
Gut microbiota can influence cognitive ability via the gut–brain axis. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MWFLp-182 ( L. plantarum MWFLp-182) was obtained from feces of long-living individuals and could exert marked antioxidant ability. Interestingly, this strain reduced the D -galactose-induced impaired cognitive ability in BALB/c mice. To comprehensively elucidate the underlying mechanism, we evaluated the colonization, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of L. plantarum MWFLp-182, along with the expression of potential genes associated with cognitive ability influenced and gut microbiota. L. plantarum MWFLp-182 enhanced the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and increased tight junction protein expression in the colon. Moreover, L. plantarum MWFLp-182 could modify the gut microbiota. Notably, treatment with L. plantarum MWFLp-182 upregulated the expression of postsynaptic density protein-95, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor, nerve growth factor, superoxide dismutase, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor/neuronal nuclei, while downregulating the expression of bcl-2-associated X and malondialdehyde in the hippocampus and upregulating short-chain fatty acids against D -galactose-induced mouse brain deficits. Accordingly, L. plantarum MWFLp-182 could improve cognitive ability in a D -galactose-inducing mouse model.