Propionate ameliorates neural degeneration by modulating mitochondrial fission and fusion in nerve cells

Sporadic global cognitive decline is on the rise, and current drugs exhibit limited efficacy. Propionate, an SCFAs of the human microbiome, exhibits robust neuroprotective effects.

We used CCK8 to evaluate neuronal proliferation, DCFH-DA fluorescence probe to quantify ROS production, ELISA to detect IL-1β and IL-6 release, MitoTracker to assess mitochondrial membrane potential, real-time quantitative PCR, and western blotting to analyze DRP1 and anti-Mfn2 protein expression. We also established an in vitro blood-brain barrier model and AD mouse model.

Propionate normalized the mitochondrial membrane potential in glutamate-treated HT22 cells, reversed growth suppression, ROS accumulation, and elevated IL-1 and IL-6 release. Propionate also decreases Drp1 expression and elevates Mfn2 expression via GRP41 receptor binding. In vitro blood-brain barrier models illustrated the potential of propionate to ameliorate glutamate-induced blood-brain barrier damage. In vivo, propionate notably improved the learning and memory capabilities of AD mice and mitigated AD-induced mitochondrial defects.

Supplementation with propionate provides neuroprotection against neurodegenerative diseases. Propionate supplementation may provide a novel strategy for early intervention of neurological disorders.