Soybean Meal Extract Preserves Memory Ability by Increasing Presynaptic Function and Modulating Gut Microbiota in...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Nutritional Science
• Microbiology

Background:

• Age-related cognitive decline and memory deficits are significant health concerns.
• Dietary interventions and nutraceuticals are explored for preventing and treating neurodegenerative diseases.
• The impact of soybean meal extract (SME) on memory function remains largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of oral soybean meal extract (SME) administration on memory function in rats.
• To investigate the underlying neurobiological and gut microbiota mechanisms of SME's effects on memory.
• To assess the safety profile of SME regarding hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity.

Main Methods:

• Oral administration of SME to healthy rats for two weeks.
• Assessment of memory function using the Morris water maze (MWM) test.
• Analysis of presynaptic protein levels, protein kinase expression, and synaptic vesicle density in hippocampal synaptosomes.
• Investigation of gut microbiota composition changes.

Main Results:

• SME administration significantly reduced escape latency and movement distance in the MWM test, indicating improved memory preservation.
• SME increased the levels of key presynaptic proteins and activated specific protein kinases (ERK1/2, PKC, CaMKII) in hippocampal synaptosomes.
• Transmission electron microscopy revealed an increased number of synaptic vesicles in SME-treated rats.
• SME consumption led to alterations in gut microbiota composition compared to controls.
• SME exhibited no hepatotoxicity or renal toxicity at the tested doses.

Conclusions:

• Soybean meal extract (SME) demonstrates efficacy in preserving memory function in rats.
• SME enhances cognitive function by increasing presynaptic protein levels and promoting synaptic plasticity.
• Modulation of gut microbiota by SME may also contribute to its memory-enhancing effects.
• SME is a safe dietary intervention with potential therapeutic applications for memory deficits.