1
|
Horasan Sagbasan B, Williams CM, Bell L, Barfoot KL, Poveda C, Walton GE. Inulin and Freeze-Dried Blueberry Intervention Lead to Changes in the Microbiota and Metabolites within In Vitro Studies and in Cognitive Function within a Small Pilot Trial on Healthy Children. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1501. [PMID: 39065269 PMCID: PMC11279127 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The relationship between the gut microbiota and cognitive health is complex and bidirectional, being significantly impacted by our diet. Evidence indicates that polyphenols and inulin can impact cognitive function via various mechanisms, one of which is the gut microbiota. In this study, effects of a wild blueberry treatment (WBB) and enriched chicory inulin powder were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Gut microbiota composition and metabolites, including neurotransmitters, were assessed upon faecal microbial fermentation of WBB and inulin in a gut model system. Secondly, microbiota changes and cognitive function were assessed in children within a small pilot (n = 13) trial comparing WBB, inulin, and a maltodextrin placebo, via a series of tests measuring executive function and memory function, with faecal sampling at baseline, 4 weeks post-intervention and after a 4 week washout period. Both WBB and inulin led to microbial changes and increases in levels of short chain fatty acids in vitro. In vivo significant improvements in executive function and memory were observed following inulin and WBB consumption as compared to placebo. Cognitive benefits were accompanied by significant increases in Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in the inulin group, while in the WBB group, Bacteroidetes significantly increased and Firmicutes significantly decreased (p < 0.05). As such, WBB and inulin both impact the microbiota and may impact cognitive function via different gut-related or other mechanisms. This study highlights the important influence of diet on cognitive function that could, in part, be mediated by the gut microbiota.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Buket Horasan Sagbasan
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AP, UK
| | - Claire M Williams
- Department of Psychology, University of Reading, Earley Gate, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AL, UK
| | - Lynne Bell
- Department of Psychology, University of Reading, Earley Gate, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AL, UK
| | - Katie L Barfoot
- Department of Psychology, University of Reading, Earley Gate, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AL, UK
| | - Carlos Poveda
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AP, UK
| | - Gemma E Walton
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AP, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Parthimos TP, Schulpis KH, Karousi AD, Loukas YL, Dotsikas Y. The relationship between neurotransmission-related amino acid blood concentrations and neuropsychological performance following acute exercise. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2024; 31:560-574. [PMID: 35227132 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2022.2043327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Amino acid neurotransmitters, including glutamate, phenylalanine, tyrosine, alanine, and glycine, underlie the majority of the excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in the nervous system, and acute exercise has been shown to modulate their concentrations. We aimed to determine whether any correlation exists between the above-mentioned amino acid blood concentrations and the neuropsychological performance after an acute exercise intervention. Sixty basketball players were randomly assigned to one of two experimental conditions: exercise or inactive resting. All participants underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and blood samples were taken on a Guthrie card before and after the end of the experimental conditions. Amino acid blood concentrations were significantly elevated and cognitive performance significantly improved post-exercise on specific neuropsychological assessments. Significant intervention × group interaction effects were apparent for Trail Making Test part-B [F(1,58) = 20.46, p < .0001, η2 = .26] and Digit Span Backwards [F(1,58) = 15.47, p < .0001, η2 = .21] neuropsychological assessments. Additionally, regression analysis indicated that tyrosine accounted for 38.0% of the variance in the Trail Making Test part-A test. These results suggest that elevated blood concentrations of neurotransmission-related amino acids are associated with improved neuropsychological performance after a single bout of high-intensity exercise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theodore P Parthimos
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
| | - Kleopatra H Schulpis
- Institute of Child Health, Research Center, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandra D Karousi
- Department of Psychology, Human Sciences Research Centre, College of Life and Natural Sciences, University of Derby, Derby, UK
| | - Yannis L Loukas
- Laboratory of Pharm. Analysis, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Yannis Dotsikas
- Laboratory of Pharm. Analysis, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liwinski T, Lang UE, Brühl AB, Schneider E. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid in Stress and Depressive Disorders through the Gut-Brain Axis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3128. [PMID: 38137351 PMCID: PMC10741010 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Research conducted on individuals with depression reveals that major depressive disorders (MDDs) coincide with diminished levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, as well as modifications in the subunit composition of the primary receptors (GABAA receptors) responsible for mediating GABAergic inhibition. Furthermore, there is substantial evidence supporting the significant role of GABA in regulating stress within the brain, which is a pivotal vulnerability factor in mood disorders. GABA is readily available and approved as a food supplement in many countries. Although there is substantial evidence indicating that orally ingested GABA may affect GABA receptors in peripheral tissues, there is comparatively less evidence supporting its direct action within the brain. Emerging evidence highlights that oral GABA intake may exert beneficial effects on the brain and psyche through the gut-brain axis. While GABA enjoys wide consumer acceptance in Eastern Asian markets, with many consumers reporting favorable effects on stress regulation, mood, and sleep, rigorous independent research is still largely lacking. Basic research, coupled with initial clinical findings, makes GABA an intriguing neuro-nutritional compound deserving of clinical studies in individuals with depression and other psychological problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Else Schneider
- University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, Clinic for Adults, University of Basel, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; (T.L.); (U.E.L.); (A.B.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yao C, Shi F, Wang X. Chromosomal editing of Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 13032 to produce gamma-aminobutyric acid. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2023; 70:7-21. [PMID: 35106837 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Corynebacterium glutamicum has been used as a sustainable microbial producer for various bioproducts using cheap biomass resources. In this study, a high GABA-producing C. glutamicum strain was constructed by chromosomal editing. Lactobacillus brevis-derived gadB2 was introduced into the chromosome of C. glutamicum ATCC 13032 to produce gamma-aminobutyric acid and simultaneously blocked the biosynthesis of lactate and acetate. GABA transport and degradation in C. glutamicum were also blocked to improve GABA production. As precursor of GABA, l-glutamic acid synthesis in C. glutamicum was enhanced by introducing E. coli gdhA encoding glutamic dehydrogenase, and the copy numbers of gdhA and gadB2 were also optimized for higher GABA production. The final C. glutamicum strain CGY705 could produce 33.17 g/L GABA from glucose in a 2.4-L bioreactor after 78 h fed-batch fermentation. Since all deletion and expression of genes were performed using chromosomal editing, fermentation of the GABA-producing strains constructed in this study does not need supplementation of any antibiotics and inducers. The strategy used in this study has potential value in the development of GABA-producing bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengzhen Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Feng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tonelli A, Lunghi C, Gori M. Moderate physical activity alters the estimation of time, but not space. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1004504. [PMID: 36275247 PMCID: PMC9580464 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1004504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Moderate physical activity can influence cognitive functions and visual cortical activity. However, little is known about the effects of exercise on fundamental perceptual domains, such as spatial and temporal representation. Here we tackled this issue by testing the impact of physical activity on a temporal estimation task in a group of adult volunteers in three different conditions: (1) in a resting condition (baseline), (2) during moderate physical activity (cycling in place – PA), and (3) approximately 15 to 20 min following the physical activity phase, in which participants were seated and returned to a regular heart rate (POST). We show that physical activity specifically impacts time perception, inducing a consistent overestimation for durations in the range of milliseconds. Notably, the effect persisted in the POST session, ruling out the main contribution of either heart rate or cycling rhythmicity. In a control experiment, we found that spatial perception (distance estimation) was unaffected by physical activity, ruling out a major contribution of arousal and fatigue to the observed temporal distortion. We speculate that physical exercise might alter temporal estimation either by up-regulating the dopaminergic system or modulating GABAergic inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Tonelli
- UVIP – Unit for Visually Impaired People, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alessia Tonelli,
| | - Claudia Lunghi
- Laboratoire des Systèmes Perceptifs, Département d’Études Cognitives, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Monica Gori
- UVIP – Unit for Visually Impaired People, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
The Role of Supplementation with Natural Compounds in Post-Stroke Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157893. [PMID: 34360658 PMCID: PMC8348438 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Malnutrition is a serious problem in post-stroke patients. Importantly, it intensifies with hospitalization, and is related to both somatic and psychological reasons, as well as is associated with the insufficient knowledge of people who accompany the patient. Malnutrition is a negative prognostic factor, leading to a reduction in the quality of life. Moreover, this condition significantly extends hospitalization time, increases the frequency of treatment in intensive care units, and negatively affects the effectiveness of rehabilitation. Obtaining growing data on the therapeutic effectiveness of new compounds of natural origin is possible through the use of pharmacodynamic and analytical methods to assess their therapeutic properties. The proper supply of nutrients, as well as compounds of natural origin, is an important element of post-stroke therapy, due to their strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and neuroplasticity enhancing properties. Taking the above into account, in this review we present the current state of knowledge on the benefits of using selected substances of natural origin in patients after cerebral stroke.
Collapse
|
7
|
Ruhnau P, Zaehle T. Transcranial Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) and Ear-EEG: Potential for Closed-Loop Portable Non-invasive Brain Stimulation. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:699473. [PMID: 34194308 PMCID: PMC8236702 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.699473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
No matter how hard we concentrate, our attention fluctuates – a fact that greatly affects our success in completing a current task. Here, we review work from two methods that, in a closed-loop manner, have the potential to ameliorate these fluctuations. Ear-EEG can measure electric brain activity from areas in or around the ear, using small and thus portable hardware. It has been shown to capture the state of attention with high temporal resolution. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) comes with the same advantages (small and light) and critically current research suggests that it is possible to influence ongoing brain activity that has been linked to attention. Following the review of current work on ear-EEG and taVNS we suggest that a combination of the two methods in a closed-loop system could serve as a potential application to modulate attention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Ruhnau
- Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Tino Zaehle
- Department of Neurology, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lockhofen DEL, Mulert C. Neurochemistry of Visual Attention. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:643597. [PMID: 34025339 PMCID: PMC8133366 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.643597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Visual attention is the cognitive process that mediates the selection of important information from the environment. This selection is usually controlled by bottom-up and top-down attentional biasing. Since for most humans vision is the dominant sense, visual attention is critically important for higher-order cognitive functions and related deficits are a core symptom of many neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders. Here, we summarize the importance and relative contributions of different neuromodulators and neurotransmitters to the neural mechanisms of top-down and bottom-up attentional control. We will not only review the roles of widely accepted neuromodulators, such as acetylcholine, dopamine and noradrenaline, but also the contributions of other modulatory substances. In doing so, we hope to shed some light on the current understanding of the role of neurochemistry in shaping neuron properties contributing to the allocation of attention in the visual field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Christoph Mulert
- Center for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Justus-Liebig University, Hessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
GABA Supplementation Negatively Affects Cognitive Flexibility Independent of Tyrosine. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10091807. [PMID: 33919136 PMCID: PMC8122390 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10091807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence, particularly from animal studies, suggests that dopamine and GABA are important modulators of cognitive flexibility. In humans, increasing dopamine synthesis through its precursor tyrosine has been shown to result in performance improvements, but few studies have reported the effects of GABA supplementation in healthy participants. We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized experiment to test the interactive effects of tyrosine and GABA administration on two measures of cognitive flexibility, response inhibition and task switching. A total of 48 healthy volunteers were split into four groups (placebo, tyrosine alone, GABA alone, and tyrosine and GABA combined). They completed cognitive flexibility tasks at baseline and after drug administration. We found that tyrosine alone had no impact on the measures of cognitive flexibility, whereas GABA alone and in combination with tyrosine worsened task switching. Our results provide preliminary evidence that putative increases in GABA and dopamine synthesis do not interact to affect cognitive flexibility performance.
Collapse
|
10
|
Yin H, Guo J, Xin Q, Zheng S, Xue X, Li E, Liu T, Yan N, Keilp J, Mann JJ. Influence of the GABA Receptor Subunit Gene Polymorphism and Childhood Sexual Abuse on Processing Speed in Major Depression and Suicide Attempt. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:712231. [PMID: 34733184 PMCID: PMC8558369 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.712231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Suicide is moderately heritable and also more common in those who report childhood abuse. Previously, it was found that allele A of GABRG2 (GABA A receptor subunit gamma2) polymorphism rs211034 was protective in a suicide attempt (SA). Hence, it was proposed that rs211034 may interact with childhood trauma to influence cognitive deficits related to SA or depression risk. Genetic variants may predict the benefits of certain cognitive treatments. Methods: A total of 52 individuals who had attempted suicide, 59 individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) or bipolar depression who had not previously attempted suicide, and 90 healthy volunteers were subjected to the modified Suicide Stroop task and were clinically assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and Hamilton Depression Scale-24 items (HAMD-24). rs211034 was genotyped using Sanger sequencing. Results: After correcting for covariates, depressed participants displayed longer reaction times for all emotional conditions, including suicide-related words, compared with healthy controls. Depressed suicide attempters displayed longer reaction times for negative words than depressed non-attempters. Depressed non-attempters displayed higher interference scores for negative words compared with healthy controls. There was an interaction between rs211034 risk allele and the effects of reported childhood sexual abuse (CSA) on reaction time for all emotional words and suicide-related words. Carriers of the rs211034 risk allele A exhibited shorter reaction times, but the protective effects of this allele were eliminated in those exposed to reported CSA. Conclusion: Only limited results were found regarding effects of a past suicide attempt on response times to emotional and suicide-related words, but there was an overall effect of major depression on slower response time. Protective genetic effects of the rs211034 A allele on this slowing were eliminated in those with a history of sexual abuse during childhood. Further research is needed to better characterize the mechanisms underlying the effects of childhood trauma on these genetic effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Honglei Yin
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong, China
| | - Jia Guo
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Qianqian Xin
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuqiong Zheng
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiang Xue
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong, China
| | - Enze Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong, China
| | - Na Yan
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong, China
| | - John Keilp
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.,Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - J John Mann
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.,Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bolden LB, Griffis JC, Nenert R, Allendorfer JB, Szaflarski JP. Cortical excitability and seizure control influence attention performance in patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGEs). Epilepsy Behav 2018; 89:135-142. [PMID: 30415135 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
We recently found that higher cortical excitability is associated with poorer attention performance in healthy adults. While patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGEs), previously termed genetic generalized epilepsies, are known to demonstrate increased cortical excitability and cognitive deficits, a relationship between these variables in IGEs has not been investigated. Therefore, we aimed to characterize the effects of cortical excitability and seizure control on cognitive performance in IGEs. We studied 30 patients with IGEs (16 patients with controlled IGEs (cIGEs) and 14 patients with treatment-resistant IGEs (trIGEs)) and 24 healthy controls (HCs). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to measure cortical excitability, including long-interval intracortical inhibition (LICI). Attention was assessed with the Digit Span Forwards, Digit Span Backwards, Trails A, and Flanker tasks. Executive functioning was assessed using Trails B, Stroop Color and Word, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task. Two-way multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs) were conducted to assess the influences of seizure control (HCs vs. cIGEs vs. trIGEs) and cortical excitability (inhibitory vs. excitatory) on composite measures of attention and executive functions. Attention performance was significantly affected by cortical excitability and seizure control. Participants with primarily excitatory LICI responses, indicating higher cortical excitability, performed worse than inhibitory responders on composite attention (Wilks' lambda = 0.748, F(4, 44) = 3.72, p = 0.011). While participants with cIGEs and trIGEs did not significantly differ in attention performance, participants with trIGEs performed worse on the Digit Forwards (False Discovery Rate (FDR)p < 0.001), Digit Backwards (FDRp = 0.015), and Flanker (FDRp = 0.0075) tasks compared with HCs. These results provide support for the relationship between cortical excitability and attention dysfunction in IGEs. Further investigation is needed to determine whether there is a causal relationship between these variables and whether intracortical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)B networks may be targeted to improve attention deficits in clinical populations with decreased LICI. Findings also suggest that additional research directly comparing cognition in patients with cIGEs and trIGEs is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren B Bolden
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; UAB Epilepsy Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Joseph C Griffis
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; UAB Epilepsy Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Rodolphe Nenert
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; UAB Epilepsy Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jane B Allendorfer
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; UAB Epilepsy Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jerzy P Szaflarski
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; UAB Epilepsy Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Reid SNS, Ryu JK, Kim Y, Jeon BH. The Effects of Fermented Laminaria japonica on Short-Term Working Memory and Physical Fitness in the Elderly. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2018; 2018:8109621. [PMID: 30008787 PMCID: PMC6020467 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8109621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Considering the neuroprotective and antioxidant potential of fermented Laminaria japonica A. (FST), the purpose of the present study is to establish whether FST may be considered a viable, efficacious supplement that can be administered in later life to offset neurodegenerative conditions associated with aging. Forty senior subjects participated in a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study. Two groups were formed, one FST group (n = 32, 72.35 ± 5.54 yrs) and one placebo (CON) (n = 28, 74.57 ± 5.69 yrs), which received 1.5 g/day of FST for 6 weeks. Subjects were asked to abstain from any regular exercise. In order to analyze short-term memory, a variety of neuropsychological tests were implemented. Body composition, physical fitness evaluations, antioxidant function, and inflammatory markers were also included in the analyses pre- and posttest. We demonstrated that FST significantly improved neuropsychological test scores, including higher scores in the K-MMSE, numerical memory test, Raven test, and iconic memory, compared to the CON group. Shorter test trial times in the 6-meter [corrected] walk test were observed in the FST group (p<0.001 and p<0.05, trials 1 and 2, respectively). FST also significantly increased antioxidant activity of GPx, GSR, and SOD, reduced the production of TBARS, and lowered 8-oxoDG levels. The present study highlights the potential widespread application of FST in protecting against the degenerative effects of aging on short-term memory and physical function. Neuropsychological evaluation indicates that FST may provide a protective mechanism against cognitive impairment associated with dementia. Neuromuscular integrity and physical function are typically compromised in aging and dementia patients; thus, whether by stimulation of muscle-related growth factors or an increase in serum BDNF, FST supplementation may act to preserve physical function in the elderly. The bioactive constituents of FST such as GABA and fucoidan acting to provide improvements in antioxidant activity following FST supplementation may protect against progressive degeneration purportedly caused by reactive oxygen species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Storm N. S. Reid
- Department of Physical Education, School of Sports and Health, Kyungsung University, Busan 48434, Republic of Korea
| | - Je-kwang Ryu
- Institute for Cognitive Science, College of Humanities, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunsook Kim
- Marine Bio-Industry Development Center, Marine Bioprocesses Co., Ltd., Busan 46048, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong Hwan Jeon
- Department of Physical Education, School of Sports and Health, Kyungsung University, Busan 48434, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|