Promoting arousal associated with physical activity with the vitamin B₁ derivative TTFD

Physical inactivity, which is a global issue, reduces physical and mental vitality, particularly impairing prefrontal-cortex-based mental health. This may trigger social withdrawal and depression, hindering the ability to have an active lifestyle. However, we have identified a beneficial agent, a vitamin B₁ derivative called thiamine tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide (TTFD), that enhances physical activity through dopaminergic regulation in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of rats. Since the brain dopaminergic system also regulates the sleep-wake cycle via the ascending arousal system, we postulated that TTFD may promote arousal. To test this, we performed electroencephalograms and electromyograms in rats, monitoring their physical activity and sleep-wake cycles after TTFD injection. Analysis revealed that TTFD acutely promotes arousal, reduces slow-wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and promotes increased physical activity. TTFD not only promotes physical activity but also increases arousal, thereby potentially contributing to enhanced mental health.