Effects of β-Lactolin on Regional Cerebral Blood Flow within the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex during Working Memory Task in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Epidemiological studies have reported that consumption of dairy products rich in β-lactolin is beneficial for cognitive decline among elderly individuals. Although previous studies have shown that β-lactolin supplementation improves memory function and attention in healthy adults, the mechanism through which β-lactolin affects human brain function has yet to be elucidated. This placebo-controlled randomized double-blind study therefore examined the effects of β-lactolin on human regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guidelines.

Effects of iso-α-acids, the hop-derived bitter components in beer, on the MRI-based Brain Healthcare Quotient in healthy middle-aged to older adults.

Aim: Neurological disorders are a major public health issue worldwide and are often associated with structural changes in the brain. We have previously demonstrated that iso-α-acids (IAAs), the hop-derived bitter components in beer, improve memory impairment in aged and Alzheimer's disease mouse models. In this study, we evaluated the effects of IAA intake on the brain structure in healthy middle-aged to older adults.

Leucine-Histidine Dipeptide Attenuates Microglial Activation and Emotional Disturbances Induced by Brain Inflammation and Repeated Social Defeat Stress.

The number of patients with mental illnesses is rapidly increasing, and daily lifestyle is closely associated with the development of symptoms. It is suggested that inflammatory molecules derived from microglia play crucial roles for the pathophysiology of depression. In the present study, we discovered that leucine-histidine (LH) dipeptide suppressed activation of primary microglia.

Supplementation With Whey Peptide Rich in β-Lactolin Improves Cognitive Performance in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Epidemiological reports showed that consumptions of fermented dairy products are beneficial for cognitive decline in elderly. Our previous preclinical studies have demonstrated that intakes of whey peptide rich in the β-lactolin [β-lactopeptide of glycine-thereonine-tryptophan-tyrosine (GTWY)] improve memory and attention by regulating monoamine system, and clinical study using neuropsychological test suggested that consumptions with GTWY-rich whey peptide enhance cognitive performance associated with the frontal cortex activity. However, corresponding interventional studies in humans are limited.

Identification of P2Y receptors involved in oleamide-suppressing inflammatory responses in murine microglia and human dendritic cells.

Microglia, a type of immune cell in the central nervous system, are involved in inflammation leading to neurodegenerative diseases. We previously identified oleamide from fermented dairy products as a neuroprotective compound suppressing microglial inflammation. Oleamide is an endocannabinoid and displays anti-inflammatory activity via the cannabinoid-2 (CB2) receptor; however, the mechanism underlying this anti-inflammatory activity has not been fully elucidated.

Anxiolytic effects of theaflavins via dopaminergic activation in the frontal cortex.

Epidemiological investigations have reported that the habit of drinking tea reduces the risk of developing a mental disorder, including anxiety disorder and depression. Theaflavins, black tea polyphenols, show antibacterial and anti-oxidative effects, but their effects on brain function, especially mental condition, have not been elucidated. The present study demonstrated that theaflavins increased dopamine (DA) turnover in the frontal cortex and showed an anxiolytic effect in mice.

Theaflavins Improve Memory Impairment and Depression-Like Behavior by Regulating Microglial Activation.

Inflammation in the brain is associated with various disorders including Alzheimer's disease and depression. Thus, inflammation has received increasing attention regarding preventive approaches to such disorders. Epidemiological investigations have reported that drinking tea reduces the risk of dementia and depression.

Effect of Supplementation of a Whey Peptide Rich in Tryptophan-Tyrosine-Related Peptides on Cognitive Performance in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Unlabelled: Previous epidemiological and clinical studies have shown that dairy products have beneficial effects on cognitive decline and dementia. Enzymatic digestion of whey protein produces a whey peptide rich in tryptophan-tyrosine-related peptides which improve cognitive performance in mice. We evaluated the effects of whey peptides on cognitive functions in healthy adults in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design.

Vinexin family (SORBS) proteins play different roles in stiffness-sensing and contractile force generation.

Vinexin, c-Cbl associated protein (CAP) and Arg-binding protein 2 (ArgBP2) constitute an adaptor protein family called the vinexin (SORBS) family that is targeted to focal adhesions (FAs). Although numerous studies have focused on each of the SORBS proteins and partially elucidated their involvement in mechanotransduction, a comparative analysis of their function has not been well addressed. Here, we established mouse embryonic fibroblasts that individually expressed SORBS proteins and analysed their functions in an identical cell context.

Simultaneous determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon quinones by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, following a one-pot reductive trimethylsilyl derivatization.

We developed a sensitive and selective method to simultaneously analyze 37 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon quinones (PAHQs) with GC-MS/MS and applied the method to the analysis of standard atmospheric particulate matter samples. PAHQs were reduced with zinc granules and dithiothreitol (DTT) and the reductants were immediately converted to their silylated derivatives in a test tube. Two trimethylsilyl (TMS) groups were introduced into PAHQs through the one-pot reductive TMS derivatization.