Mussel oligopeptides ameliorate cognition deficit and attenuate brain senescence in D-galactose-induced aging mice

Dietary supplementation exerts beneficial effects in reducing incidence of chronic neurodegenerative diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine protective effects of mussel (Mytilus edulis) oligopeptides supplementation on brain function in D-galactose induced aging mice. Sixty female 8-month-old mice were randomly divided into five groups: vehicle control, D-galactose, and D-galactose combined with 200, 500, 1000 mg/kg mussel oligopeptides. The results showed that mussel oligopeptides could improve cognitive learning and memory ability and protect the hippocampal neurons. In addition, GSH, SOD and GSH-pX activities were increased and MDA level was significantly decreased in mice fed with mussel oligopeptides. It was also found that mussel oligopeptides supplementation prevented D-galactose-induced elevations of iNOS activity and NO production and lactate acid levels in brain. Moreover, PI3K and Akt genes were up-regulated by mussel oligopeptides supplementation. These findings suggest that mussel oligopeptides are able to enhance exercise capacity and protect against oxidative damage caused by D-galactose in aging model mice through regulating oxidation metabolism and PI3K/Akt/NOS signal pathway. Therefore, mussel oligopeptides are good materials for future development of healthcare products to combat age-related brain dysfunction and to improve healthy life span.