Saccharomyces boulardii Ameliorates LPS-Induced Amyloidogenesis in Rats

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Microbiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• The gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis.
• Gut dysbiosis is linked to increased AD incidence.
• Probiotics offer a potential strategy to restore gut homeostasis and prevent AD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neuroprotective effects of Saccharomyces boulardii in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced amyloidogenesis.
• To evaluate the impact of S. boulardii on cognitive function and key molecular pathways in the hippocampus.

Main Methods:

• Rats were divided into four groups: control, LPS-induced, S. boulardii treatment, and combined LPS + S. boulardii treatment.
• Cognitive function was assessed using the step-through latency (STL) passive behavioral test.
• Hippocampal levels of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide, amyloid-beta precursor protein (APP), and beta-secretase (BACE) were analyzed via Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.

Main Results:

• LPS administration significantly decreased memory retrieval (STL) and increased hippocampal levels of Aβ, APP, and BACE.
• S. boulardii administration prior to LPS prolonged STL compared to the LPS-only group (P < 0.05).
• S. boulardii significantly reduced APP levels in the LPS-treated group (P < 0.01), mitigating Aβ buildup and memory deficits.

Conclusions:

• Saccharomyces boulardii effectively mitigated LPS-induced memory dysfunction and amyloidogenesis in rats.
• The probiotic appears to exert neuroprotective effects by modulating the APP, BACE1, and Aβ pathways.
• S. boulardii presents a promising novel therapeutic or preventive strategy for Alzheimer's disease.