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A Standardized Extract of Microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum (Mi136) Inhibit D-Gal Induced Cognitive Dysfunction in
Jonathan Maury1, Antoine Delbrut1, Vanessa Villard2
1Research & Development Department, Microphyt, 713 Route de Mudaison, 34670 Baillargues, France.
Abstract:
The microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum (PT) is distinguished by its rich nutrient profile, characterized by well-documented neuroprotective activities, including fucoxanthin (FX), a major carotenoid and polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFA). The current study aims to evaluate the protective effects of a standardized extract of PT (Mi136) containing 2% FX on cognitive function, oxidative stress, and inflammation parameters in a mouse model of accelerated aging. Seventy-two (72) male mice were randomly assigned to the blank control group (BC), negative control group (NC), and four similar microalgae extract of PT groups (branded as BrainPhyt™) with different human equivalent doses to evaluate potential dose-response effects. From day 01 to day 51, mice in the BC group were injected with a 0.9% normal saline solution, while mice in all other groups were subcutaneously injected with D-galactose (D-Gal) at a dose of 150 mg/kg once per day, five days per week. Results indicated that, for the three higher microalgae extract of PT dose groups, spatial cognitive function, swim latency, and step-through latency impairments induced by chronic D-Gal intoxication were significantly and fully inhibited, with mean values similar to those in the BC group during each day of testing. Similar benefits were observed in biochemical analysis, specifically regarding brain and plasma levels of lipid peroxidation, TNF-α, and IL-6 markers. These data underscore the positive effects of a standardized extract of PT containing 2% FX on cognitive function parameters such as spatial working memory, long-term memory, and short-term memory through the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation pathways.
Insights
This study shows that a standardized microalgae extract from *Phaeodactylum tricornutum* (PT), rich in fucoxanthin (FX), significantly improved cognitive function in aging mice. The extract also reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, offering neuroprotective benefits.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Neuroscience
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Microalgae *Phaeodactylum tricornutum* (PT) possesses neuroprotective compounds like fucoxanthin (FX) and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Accelerated aging models are crucial for studying age-related cognitive decline and neuroinflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a standardized PT extract (Mi136, 2% FX) on cognitive function in a D-galactose-induced mouse model of accelerated aging.
- To assess the extract's impact on oxidative stress and inflammation markers in the brain and plasma.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-two male mice were divided into control and PT extract groups, with D-galactose administration to induce aging.
- Different doses of the standardized PT extract were administered to evaluate dose-response effects.
- Cognitive functions (spatial memory, latency) and biochemical markers (lipid peroxidation, TNF-α, IL-6) were measured.
Main Results:
- Higher doses of the PT extract significantly inhibited cognitive impairments caused by D-galactose intoxication.
- Biochemical analyses revealed reduced lipid peroxidation, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels in brain and plasma.
- The extract's effects were comparable to the blank control group, indicating full inhibition of induced deficits.
Conclusions:
- A standardized extract of *Phaeodactylum tricornutum* containing 2% fucoxanthin demonstrates significant neuroprotective effects.
- The extract effectively improves cognitive function by regulating oxidative stress and inflammation pathways.
- This microalgae extract shows potential as a therapeutic agent for age-related cognitive decline.
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