Fermented mixed grain ameliorates chronic stress-induced depression-like behavior and memory deficit

• Published in: Food science and biotechnology Vol. 33; no. 4; pp. 969 - 979
• Main Authors: Song, Jae Gwang, Lee, Bomi, Kim, Do Eon, Seo, Bong Kyeong, Oh, Nam Su, Kim, Sae Hun, Kim, Hyung Wook
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Singapore Springer Nature Singapore 01.03.2024; Springer Nature B.V; 한국식품과학회
• Subjects: Anticancer properties; Anxiety; Brain damage; Brain injury; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Cognitive ability; Food Science; Impairment; Inflammation; Intestine; Memory; Mental depression; mRNA; Nutrition; Research Article; 식품과학; Depression-like behaviour; Memory impairment; Chronic mild stress; Fermented grain
• ISSN: 1226-7708; 2092-6456; 2092-6456
• DOI: 10.1007/s10068-023-01387-x

Fermented mixed grain (FG) has beneficial anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of FG on gut inflammation, brain dysfunction, and anxiety/depression-like behavior induced by unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) in mice. Mice were administered mixed grain or FG for 3 weeks and were then exposed to UCMS for 4 weeks. FG administration ameliorated stress-induced anxiety/despair-like behavior. FG administration also prevented UCMS-induced memory impairment. Additionally, the mRNA levels of 5-HTR1A and IL-6 were restored to normal levels in the brains of FG-administered mice. FG administration also inhibited intestinal damage in stressed mice compared with that in the UCMS (without FG) group. These results suggest that FG can alleviate stress-induced intestinal damage, brain dysfunction, and cognitive impairment.