Phlorizin alleviates cholinergic memory impairment and regulates gut microbiota in d-galactose induced mice

We explored the effect of phlorizin against cholinergic memory impairment and dysbacteriosis in D-galactose induced ICR mice. The control (CON) group, D-galactose model (DGM) group, and three groups (DG-PL, DG-PM, DG-PH) treated with phlorizin at 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.04% (w/w) in diets were raised for 12 weeks. Supplementing with phlorizin reversed the loss of organ coefficient and body weight caused by D-galactose. The functional abilities of phlorizin on hippocampal-dependent spatial learning and memory, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation were also observed. Meanwhile, phlorizin intervention upregulated the gene expression of Nrf2, GSH-PX, SOD1, decreased the gene expression of NF-κB, TLR-4, TNF-α, and IL-1β in the hippocampus, while enhanced the gene expression of JAM-A, Mucin2, Occludin in the caecum. Furthermore, a neurotransmitter of acetylcholine (ACh) was enhanced, while acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was inhibited by phlorizin administration. Moreover, phlorizin administration increased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content, and reduced lipopolysaccharides (LPS) levels, which may relate to the rebuilding of gut microbiota homeostasis. Treatment with phlorizin may be an effective intervention for alleviating cognitive decline and gut microbiota dysbiosis.