Nattokinase Promotes Post-stroke Neurogenesis and Cognition Recovery via Increasing Circulating Irisin

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cardiovascular Research
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Limited brain regeneration capacity hinders post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) treatment.
• Nattokinase (NK), a natto-derived enzyme, benefits cardiovascular health by modulating blood factors.
• The influence of blood factors on neurogenesis and cognition suggests NK might impact PSCI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate Nattokinase's (NK) therapeutic potential for PSCI.
• To explore NK's mechanism in promoting neurogenesis and cognitive function.
• To identify NK's role in modulating peripheral blood factors relevant to brain health.

Main Methods:

• Utilized rat models of acute ischemic stroke.
• Administered Nattokinase (NK) and assessed its effects.
• Measured peripheral blood irisin levels and evaluated neurogenesis and cognitive performance.

Main Results:

• Nattokinase (NK) demonstrated protective effects against acute ischemic stroke.
• NK significantly promoted neurogenesis in the rat models.
• Increased peripheral blood irisin levels correlated with improved cognitive functions post-stroke.

Conclusions:

• Nattokinase (NK) is a promising agent for treating post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI).
• Irisin is identified as a novel target of NK, mediating its beneficial effects.
• NK's action highlights the significance of the peripheral blood-to-brain axis in neurological recovery.