Publications by authors named "Kazuhito Ohsawa"

Lactononadecapeptide (LNDP; NIPPLTQTPVVVPPFLQPE) is a memory-improving peptide. The current study aimed to determine the effects of a single dose of tablets containing LNDP on cognitive function in healthy Japanese men aged 30-59 years. A randomized, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in participants randomly assigned to receive LNDP or placebo tablets.

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This study aimed to determine the effects of a Lactobacillus helveticus-fermented milk drink containing lactononadecapeptide (NIPPLTQTPVVVPPFLQPE) on the cognitive function of healthy middle-aged adults. A randomised, double-blind controlled study was conducted in healthy participants who were randomly assigned to receive a L. helveticus-fermented milk drink (190 g/day) or the equivalent amount of a placebo drink once a day for eight weeks.

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Cognitive impairment is treated with cholinesterase inhibitors that slow cognitive decline but cause significant adverse effects. Functional foods that improve memory without such effects would therefore be valuable. We reported that unidentified components of sour milk whey produced by fermentations using Lactobacillus helveticus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae improved memory in a mouse model of scopolamine-induced memory impairment.

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Objectives: To investigate the effects of Calpis sour milk whey, a Lactobacillus helveticus-fermented milk product, on learning and memory.

Methods: We evaluated improvement in scopolamine-induced memory impairment using the spontaneous alternation behaviour test, a measure of short-term memory. We also evaluated learning and working memory in mice using the novel object recognition test, which does not involve primary reinforcement (food or electric shocks).

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Val-Pro-Pro (VPP) and Ile-Pro-Pro (IPP) are antihypertensive tripeptides isolated from milk fermented with Lactobacillus helveticus and inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). We investigated whether these peptides were generated from beta-casein by digestive enzymes and whether they were resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis, using an in vitro model. VPP and IPP were not generated from beta-casein by gastrointestinal enzymes; instead, a number of longer peptides including VPP and IPP sequences were detected.

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