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Probiotic Bifidobacterium breve MCC1274 Protects against Oxidative Stress and Neuronal Lipid Droplet Formation via
François Bernier1, Tatsuya Kuhara1, Jinzhong Xiao1
1Next Generation Science Institute, R&D Division, Morinaga Milk Industry, Co., Ltd., Zama 252-8583, Japan.
Abstract:
Consumption of Bifidobacterium breve MCC1274 has been shown to improve memory and prevent brain atrophy in populations with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Preclinical in vivo studies using Alzheimer's disease (AD) models indicate that this probiotic protects against brain inflammation. There is growing evidence that lipid droplets are associated with brain inflammation, and lipid-associated proteins called perilipins could play an important role in neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia. In this study, we found that B. breve MCC1274 cell extracts significantly decreased the expression of perilipin 4 (PLIN4), which encodes a lipid droplet docking protein whose expression is known to be increased during inflammation in SH-SY5Y cells. Niacin, an MCC1274 cell extract component, increased PLIN4 expression by itself. Moreover, MCC1274 cell extracts and niacin blocked the PLIN4 induction caused by oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells, reduced lipid droplet formation, and prevented IL-6 cytokine production. These results offer a possible explanation for the effect of this strain on brain inflammation.
Insights
Bifidobacterium breve MCC1274 may reduce brain inflammation by decreasing perilipin 4 (PLIN4) expression and lipid droplet formation. This probiotic also prevented IL-6 cytokine production, offering insights into its cognitive benefits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Bifidobacterium breve MCC1274 consumption is linked to improved memory and reduced brain atrophy in mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
- Preclinical studies suggest this probiotic mitigates brain inflammation, potentially through mechanisms involving lipid droplets and perilipins, which are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms by which Bifidobacterium breve MCC1274 influences brain inflammation, specifically focusing on the role of perilipin 4 (PLIN4) and lipid droplet formation.
Main Methods:
- SH-SY5Y cells were treated with Bifidobacterium breve MCC1274 cell extracts and niacin.
- The expression of perilipin 4 (PLIN4) was analyzed under conditions of normal and oxidative stress.
- Lipid droplet formation and IL-6 cytokine production were measured.
Main Results:
- Bifidobacterium breve MCC1274 cell extracts significantly decreased PLIN4 expression in SH-SY5Y cells.
- Niacin, a component of the extract, increased PLIN4 expression independently but blocked PLIN4 induction caused by oxidative stress.
- Both MCC1274 extracts and niacin reduced lipid droplet formation and IL-6 production.
Conclusions:
- Bifidobacterium breve MCC1274 may exert its anti-inflammatory effects in the brain by modulating PLIN4 expression and reducing lipid droplet accumulation.
- These findings provide a potential molecular basis for the neuroprotective effects of this probiotic strain in conditions like MCI and AD.
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