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Ergothioneine and central nervous system diseases
Noritaka Nakamichi1, Sota Tsuzuku2, Fumiya Shibagaki2
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, 60 Nakaorui-machi, 370-0033, Takasaki, Gunma, Japan. nakamichi@takasaki-u.ac.jp.
Neurochemical Research
|July 5, 2022
Summary
Ergothioneine (ERGO), an antioxidant found in food, is transported to the brain and shows neuroprotective effects. Lower ERGO levels are linked to CNS diseases, suggesting its potential for prevention and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Neuroscience
- Antioxidant Research
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
Background:
- Ergothioneine (ERGO) is a potent antioxidant found in food, structurally similar to glutathione.
- Mammals cannot synthesize ERGO, but it is absorbed and distributed throughout the body via the carnitine/organic cation transporter 1 (OCTN1/SLC22A4).
- ERGO crosses the blood-brain barrier, reaching brain cells and exerting neuroprotective effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association between ERGO and central nervous system (CNS) diseases.
- To explore ERGO as a potential biomarker for CNS disorders.
- To discuss the preventive and therapeutic potential of ERGO in CNS diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on ERGO, OCTN1, and CNS diseases.
- Analysis of ERGO concentrations in patients with cognitive impairment, Parkinson's disease, and frailty.
- Examination of ERGO's effects in animal models of neurological disorders.
Main Results:
- Lower ERGO blood levels are observed in patients with cognitive impairment, Parkinson's disease, and frailty compared to healthy individuals.
- ERGO demonstrates protective effects against neurotoxins and improves symptoms in animal models of cognitive impairment, depression, and epilepsy.
- Mechanisms include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neurogenesis promotion, and neurotrophic factor induction.
Conclusions:
- ERGO's presence in the brain and its associated health benefits highlight its significance in neurological health.
- Peripheral ERGO levels may serve as biomarkers for CNS diseases.
- ERGO holds promise for the prevention and treatment of various central nervous system disorders.
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