Ergothioneine in the brain

Effects of Consuming White Button and Oyster Mushrooms within a Healthy Mediterranean-Style Dietary Pattern on Changes in Subjective Indexes of Brain Health or Cognitive Function in Healthy Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Limited research suggests mushroom consumption may improve indexes of brain health. Mushrooms contain bioactive compounds and antioxidants capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and impacting vital neurological processes. We conducted a randomized controlled feeding trial assessing the effects of adopting a healthy U.S. Mediterranean-style dietary pattern (MED) with or without mushrooms on indexes of brain health and well-being. Sixty adults (aged 46 ± 12 y; BMI 28.3 ± 2.84 kg/m2; mean ± SD) without severe depression consumed a fully controlled MED diet with 84 g/d of mushrooms (4 d/week white button and 3 d/week oyster) or without (control with breadcrumbs) for 8 weeks. At baseline and post-intervention, surveys were used to evaluate anxiety, depression, mood, and well-being, and behavioral tests were used to evaluate cognition. Consumption of the MED diet, with or without mushrooms, increased (improved) self-reported vigor/activity (Time p = 0.026) and both behavioral measures of immediate memory (Time p < 0.05). Mixed effects were observed for other domains of neuropsychological function, and there were no changes in other measured indexes of brain health with the consumption of either MED diet. Adopting a healthy MED-style dietary pattern, with or without consuming white button and oyster mushrooms, may improve vigor/activity and immediate memory among middle-aged and older adults.

Are age-related neurodegenerative diseases caused by a lack of the diet-derived compound ergothioneine?

We propose that the diet-derived compound ergothioneine (ET) is an important nutrient in the human body, especially for maintenance of normal brain function, and that low body ET levels predispose humans to significantly increased risks of neurodegenerative (cognitive impairment, dementia, Parkinson's disease) and possibly other age-related diseases (including frailty, cardiovascular disease, and eye disease). Hence, restoring ET levels in the body could assist in mitigating these risks, which are rapidly increasing due to ageing populations globally. Prevention of neurodegeneration is especially important, since by the time dementia is usually diagnosed damage to the brain is extensive and likely irreversible. ET and vitamin E from the diet may act in parallel or even synergistically to protect different parts of the brain; both may be "neuroprotective vitamins". The present article reviews the substantial scientific basis supporting these proposals about the role of ET.

Natural products for the treatment of chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment and prospects of nose-to-brain drug delivery

Chemotherapy-related cognitive deficits (CRCI) as one of the common adverse drug reactions during chemotherapy that manifest as memory, attention, and executive function impairments. However, there are still no effective pharmacological therapies for the treatment of CRCI. Natural compounds have always inspired drug development and numerous natural products have shown potential therapeutic effects on CRCI. Nevertheless, improving the brain targeting of natural compounds in the treatment of CRCI is still a problem to be overcome at present and in the future. Accumulated evidence shows that nose-to-brain drug delivery may be an excellent carrier for natural compounds. Therefore, we reviewed natural products with potential anti-CRCI, focusing on the signaling pathway of these drugs' anti-CRCI effects, as well as the possibility and prospect of treating CRCI with natural compounds based on nose-to-brain drug delivery in the future. In conclusion, this review provides new insights to further explore natural products in the treatment of CRCI.

Simultaneous determination of ergothioneine, selenoneine, and their methylated metabolites in human blood using ID-LC-MS/MS

Ergothioneine and selenoneine are structurally related dietary antioxidants and cytoprotectants that may help prevent several chronic diseases associated with inflammation and aging. Both compounds share pharmacokinetic characteristics such as cellular uptake through the ergothioneine transporter, accumulation in red blood cells, and biotransformation to methylated metabolites. A rapid, sensitive, specific, precise, and cost-effective analytical method is required to further investigate the potential health benefits of these compounds, individually or combined, in large epidemiological studies. We developed and validated an isotope-dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous specific quantification of these analytes in human blood following a simple sample preparation consisting of dilution in aqueous dithiothreitol followed by centrifugal filtration. Chromatographic separation of the analytes is achieved using a reversed-phase chromatography within an 8-min run. Analyte detection is performed using triple quadrupole mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring mode. Each analyte is quantified against its corresponding isotopically labeled internal standard either commercially available or synthesized in-house (77Se-labeled selenoneine compounds). The validated method demonstrates excellent linearity and very good precision (all CV < 10%). Matrix effects are minimal, suggesting that this method could easily be adapted to other matrices. Freeze/thaw cycles have little effect on methylated metabolites but significantly reduced concentrations of the parent compounds. The method was successfully applied to a small set of volunteer blood samples containing low levels of the analytes. The developed ID-LC-MS/MS method opens new avenues for exploring the roles of these bioactive compounds and their metabolites in human health and disease.

Preventive Roles of Rice-koji Extracts and Ergothioneine on Anxiety- and Pain-like Responses under Psychophysical Stress Conditions in Male Mice

This study determined the effect of daily administration of Rice-koji on anxiety and nociception in mice subjected to repeated forced swim stress (FST). In a parallel experiment, it was determined whether ergothioneine (EGT) contained in Rice-koji displayed similar effects. Anxiety and nociception were assessed behaviorally using multiple procedures. c-Fos and FosB immunoreactivities were quantified to assess the effect of both treatments on neural responses in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), nucleus raphe magnus (NRM), and lumbar spinal dorsal horn (DH). FST increased anxiety- and pain-like behaviors in the hindpaw. Rice-koji or EGT significantly prevented these behaviors after FST. In the absence of formalin, both treatments prevented decreased FosB expressions in the PVN after FST, while no effect was seen in the NRM and DH. In the presence of formalin, both treatments prevented changes in c-Fos and FosB expressions in all areas in FST mice. Further, in vitro experiments using SH-SY5Y cells were conducted. Rice-koji and EGT did not affect cell viability but changed the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. In conclusion, Rice-koji could reduce anxiety and pain associated with psychophysical stress, possibly mediated by the modulatory effects of EGT on neural functions in the brain.

The relationship between mushroom consumption and cognitive performance among middle-aged and older adults: a cross-sectional study

Objectives: Bioactive compounds in mushrooms may protect the brain from neurodegeneration by inhibiting the production of amyloid-β and playing an antioxidant role. This study aimed at examining the associations of mushroom consumption with cognitive function and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among middle-aged and older adults in China. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting and participants: This study was conducted in seven cities in China and included 2203 middle-aged and older adults. Methods: Data on mushroom consumption were collected using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Cognitive function was evaluated by the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT), Verbal Fluency Test (VFT), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and Trail Making Test-B (TMT-B). The composite z score was used to reflect global cognition. MCI was determined according to the Petersen criteria. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression were used to examine the relationship between mushroom consumption and cognitive performance. Results: This study included 2203 participants aged 55 years and above (mean age = 63.43 years). After controlling demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, other dietary factors, and history of chronic disease, higher mushroom consumption was associated with better global cognition. Compared to the lowest quartile (Q1, 0-4.00 g day-1), the βs (95% confidence intervals, 95% CIs) were 0.10 (0.03, 0.18) for Q2 (4.01-10.42 g day-1), 0.13 (0.06, 0.20) for Q3 (10.43-20.84 g day-1), and 0.13 (0.06, 0.20) for Q4 (>20.84 g day-1). The higher mushroom consumption was positively related to better performance in DSST and TMT-B (P-values < 0.05). A 10 g day-1 increment in mushroom consumption was related to 12% lower odds of MCI (odds ratio = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80-0.97). Conclusions: Higher mushroom consumption was positively related to better cognitive function and associated with lower odds of MCI. Further studies are needed to replicate our findings in other populations and determine the underlying mechanisms.

Multiple Metabolites Derived from Mushrooms and Their Beneficial Effect on Alzheimer's Diseases

Mushrooms with edible and medicinal potential have received widespread attention because of their diverse biological functions, nutritional value, and delicious taste, which are closely related to their rich active components. To date, many bioactive substances have been identified and purified from mushrooms, including proteins, carbohydrates, phenols, and vitamins. More importantly, molecules derived from mushrooms show great potential to alleviate the pathological manifestations of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which seriously affects the health of elderly people. Compared with current therapeutic strategies aimed at symptomatic improvement, it is particularly important to identify natural products from resource-rich mushrooms that can modify the progression of AD. This review summarizes recent investigations of multiple constituents (carbohydrates, peptides, phenols, etc.) isolated from mushrooms to combat AD. In addition, the underlying molecular mechanisms of mushroom metabolites against AD are discussed. The various mechanisms involved in the antiAD activities of mushroom metabolites include antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory effects, apoptosis inhibition, and stimulation of neurite outgrowth, etc. This information will facilitate the application of mushroom-derived products in the treatment of AD. However, isolation of new metabolites from multiple types of mushrooms and further in vivo exploration of the molecular mechanisms underlying their antiAD effect are still required.

Ergothioneine and its prospects as an anti-ageing compound

Healthy ageing is a crucial process that needs to be highlighted as it affects the quality of lifespan. An increase in oxidative stress along with ageing is the major factor related to the age-associated diseases, especially neurodegenerative disorders. An antioxidant-rich diet has been proven to play a significant role in the ageing process. Targeting ageing mechanisms could be a worthwhile approach to improving health standards. Ergothioneine (EGT), a hydrophilic compound with specific transporter known as OCTN1, has been shown to exert anti-ageing properties. In addition to its antioxidant effect, EGT has been reported to have anti-senescence, anti-inflammatory and anti-neurodegenerative properties. This review aims to define the pivotal role of EGT in major signalling pathways in ageing such as insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signalling (IIS), sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) and mammalian target of rapamycin complex (mTOR) pathways. The review further discusses evidence of EGT on neurodegeneration in its therapeutic context in various model organisms, providing new insights into improving health. In conclusion, an ergothioneine-rich diet may be beneficial in preventing age-related diseases, resulting in a healthy ageing population.

Protective Effect of Ergothioneine Against Stroke in Rodent Models

Ergothioneine (ET) is a naturally occurring antioxidant and cytoprotective agent that is synthesized by fungi and certain bacteria. Recent studies have shown a beneficial effect of ET on neurological functions, including cognition and animal models of depression. The aim of this study is to elucidate a possible effect of ET in rodent models of stroke. Post-ischemic intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of ET significantly reduced brain infarct volume by as early as 1 day after infusion in rats, as shown by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) assay. There was a dose-dependent increase in protection, from 50 to 200 ng of ET infusion. These results suggest that ET could have a protective effect on CNS neurons. We next elucidated the effect of systemic ET on brain infarct volume in mice after stroke. Daily i.p. injection of 35 mg/kg ET (the first dose being administered 3 h after stroke) had no significant effect on infarct volume. However, daily i.p. injections of 70 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 125 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg ET, with the first dose administered 3 h after stroke, significantly decreased infarct volume at 7 days after vessel occlusion in mice. In order to elucidate at what time interval during the 7 days there could be effective protection, a second set of experiments was carried out in mice, using one of the effective loading protocols, i.e. 125 mg/kg i.p. ET but the brains were analyzed at 1, 4 and 7 days post-stroke by MRI. We found that ET was already protective against neuronal injury and decreased the size of the brain infarct from as early as 1 day post-stroke. Behavioral experiments carried out on a third set of mice (using 125 mg/kg i.p. ET) showed that this was accompanied by significant improvements in certain behaviors (pole test) at 1 day after stroke. Together, results of this study indicate that i.c.v. and systemic ET are effective in reducing brain infarct volume after stroke in rodent models.

Ergothioneine and central nervous system diseases

Ergothioneine (ERGO) is a thiol contained in the food that exhibits an excellent antioxidant effect similar to that of glutathione. Although mammals lack a biosynthetic pathway for ERGO, the carnitine/organic cation transporter OCTN1/SLC22A4, which transports ERGO in vivo, is expressed throughout the body, and ERGO is distributed to various organs after oral intake. ERGO is a stable compound that remains in the body for a long time after ingestion. OCTN1 is also expressed in brain parenchymal cells, including neurons, and ERGO in the blood permeates the blood-brain barrier and is distributed to the brain, exhibiting a neuroprotective effect. Recently, the association between central nervous system (CNS) diseases and ERGO has become a research focus. ERGO concentrations in the blood components are lower in patients with cognitive impairment, Parkinson's disease, and frailty than in healthy subjects. ERGO exerts a protective effect against various neurotoxins and improves the symptoms of cognitive impairment, depression, and epilepsy in animal models. The promotion of neurogenesis and induction of neurotrophic factors, in addition to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, may be involved in the neuroprotective effect of ERGO. This review shows the association between ERGO and CNS diseases, discusses the possible biomarkers of peripheral ERGO in CNS diseases, and the possible preventive and improvement effects of ERGO on CNS diseases.

Nutraceuticals as Modulators of Autophagy: Relevance in Parkinson’s Disease

Dietary supplements and nutraceuticals have entered the mainstream. Especially in the media, they are strongly advertised as safe and even recommended for certain diseases. Although they may support conventional therapy, sometimes these substances can have unexpected side effects. This review is particularly focused on the modulation of autophagy by selected vitamins and nutraceuticals, and their relevance in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, especially Parkinson’s disease (PD). Autophagy is crucial in PD; thus, the induction of autophagy may alleviate the course of the disease by reducing the so-called Lewy bodies. Hence, we believe that those substances could be used in prevention and support of conventional therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. This review will shed some light on their ability to modulate the autophagy.