Effect of Lactobacillus paracasei A221‐fermented ginseng on impaired spatial memory in a rat model with cerebral ischemia and β‐amyloid injection

Abstract

Aim: Ginseng, a traditional herbal medicine, has been shown to prevent the progression of dementia, but its therapeutic effects vary because ginseng's components must first be activated by intestinal bacteria before being absorbed into the blood. We therefore focused on a fermented ginseng (FG), which contains activated components prepared by Lactobacillus paracasei A221, and compared its effects with those of non-FG. In this study, we investigated whether FG is effective on spatial memory impairment in rats. Methods: Rats with spatial memory impairment were prepared with transient cerebral ischemia and intraventricular injection of β-amyloid 1-42 for 7 days (CI + Aβ). Oral FG or non-FG was given for 7 days after the cerebral ischemia. Spatial memory was evaluated using the Morris water maze (MWM). We observed neuronal neuclei-positive cells to assess hippocampal neuron loss, and investigated the protein expression of caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3 for neuronal apoptosis, ionized calciumbinding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1) for microglia, and glial fibrillary acidic protein for astrocytes. Results: FG treatment in the CI + Aβ-operated rats shortened the extended time to reach the platform in the MWM, whereas non-FG treatment did not affect the extended time. FG ameliorated loss of hippocampal cornu amonis (CA)1 neurons and the increase in caspase-3 and Iba-1 in the CI + Aβ-operated rats. Conclusion: FG improved spatial memory impairment in CI + Aβ-operated rats. The effect of FG might be attributed to the amelioration of apoptotic neuronal cell death and the inactivation of microglia. FG is a more useful treatment for patients with cognitive dysfunction than non-FG.

Potential neuroprotective benefits of plant-based fermented foods in Alzheimer's disease: an update on preclinical evidence

“…Synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus was also evaluated. 59 Neuronal loss and apoptosis were assessed in some studies, 59,95 while microglial activation was measured in others. 96,97 Various biochemical parameters were evaluated across 26 studies, including brain cholinergic activity, Aβ peptide relevant biomarkers, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity, and insulin signalling pathway.…”

“…Aβ-peptide-induced animal models were among the nontransgenic AD models used in the included studies. A total of four studies preferred Aβ 25-35 , 62,78,98,108 two preferred Aβ 1-42 59,95 and two preferred Aβ 40 . 111,112 Each Aβ peptide has its advantages and disadvantages when used to establish an AD animal model, and the choice of peptide will depend on the specific research question, as well as the availability and suitability of the peptide for the experimental design.…”

“…However, Aβ 25-35 is a relatively short fragment of Aβ, making it easier to synthesize, and it has higher solubility and stability than Aβ 1-40 and Aβ 1-42 . 78,95,98,108 Additionally, Aβ 25-35 has been shown to have a more potent neurotoxic effect compared to Aβ 1-40 and Aβ 1-42 , causing more pronounced cognitive deficits in animal models of AD. In summary, while Aβ 1-42 has generally been considered the most relevant peptide for modelling AD pathology, Aβ 25-35 and Aβ 1-40 may also be useful in certain experimental settings.…”

Probiotic as a Potential Gut Microbiome Modifier for Stroke Treatment: A Systematic Scoping Review of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

“…Most of the studies [14,18,19,21,[23][24][25][26][27][28] showed that probiotic use could decrease neurological deficits and some claimed that it can improve spatial learning ability and cognitive function. Tests used to measure cognitive functioning in the studies include neurological function score [14,[18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29], Morris water maze [20,22,23], and open field test [20]. Morris water mazes were used to evaluate the capability of rodent spatial learning by navigating and locating the escape platform of the maze [30].…”

Probiotic as A Potential Gut Microbiome Modifier for Stroke Treatment: A Systematic Scoping Review of <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> Studies

“…Most of the studies [9,[12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] showed that probiotic use could de-crease neurological deficits and some claimed that it can improve spatial learning ability and cognitive function. Tests used to measure cognitive functioning in the studies include Neurological Function Score [9,[12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23], Morris Water Maze [15,22,23], and Open Field Test [23]. Morris water mazes were used to evaluate the capability of rodent spatial learning by navigating and locating the escape platform of the maze [24].…”