High poly-γ-glutamic acid-containing natto improves lipid metabolism and alters intestinal microbiota in mice fed a high-fat diet.

Several beneficial effects of poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) have been reported. To test whether natto, a fermented soy food rich in γ-PGA, can improve intestinal microbiota content and lipid metabolism in a high-fat diet, we compared the intestinal microbiota content, plasma, liver, and fecal contents, and changes in gene expression in the livers and large intestines of a group of mice fed a high-fat diet supplemented with cooked soybeans (SC group) and a group fed a high-fat diet supplemented with natto (NA group) for 42 days; high-fat diet-fed mice were used as a control (Con group). Hepatic lipid levels were significantly lower, the fecal bile acid and lipid levels were significantly greater, and the / ratio was significantly higher in the SC and NA groups as compared to Con group.

Natto consumption suppresses atherosclerotic plaque progression in LDL receptor-deficient mice transplanted with iRFP-expressing hematopoietic cells.

Natto, known for its high vitamin K content, has been demonstrated to suppress atherosclerosis in large-scale clinical trials through a yet-unknown mechanism. In this study, we used a previously reported mouse model, transplanting the bone marrow of mice expressing infra-red fluorescent protein (iRFP) into LDLR-deficient mice, allowing unique and non-invasive observation of foam cells expressing iRFP in atherosclerotic lesions. Using 3 natto strains, we meticulously examined the effects of varying vitamin K levels on atherosclerosis in these mice.

Fermented soybean foods (natto) ameliorate age-related cognitive decline by hippocampal TAAR1-mediated activation of the CaMKII/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8).

Natto is a traditional fermented soybean-based food that has been an integral part of Japanese cuisine for several centuries. Although there have been extensive studies on the cognitive benefits of soybeans, only limited studies have examined the effects of natto on cognitive function. This study investigated the potential cognitive benefits of natto in senescence-accelerated mouse-prone 8 (SAMP8) mice.

Natto extract inhibits infection caused by the Aujeszky's disease virus in mice.

Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV), also known as Suid alphaherpesvirus 1, which mainly infects swine, causes life-threatening neurological disorders. This disease is a serious global risk factor for economic losses in the swine industry. The development of new anti-ADV drugs is highly anticipated and required.

Effects of a high-γ-polyglutamic acid-containing natto diet on liver lipids and cecal microbiota of adult female mice.

Natto is a traditional Japanese fermented soy product high in γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA), whose beneficial effects have been reported. We prepared high-γ-PGA natto and compared the dietary influence on liver lipids and cecal microbiota in mice fed a diet containing it or a standard diet. The mice were served a 30% high-γ-PGA natto diet (PGA group) or standard diet (Con group) for 28 days.

First Clinical Trial of a Newly Developed, Low Menaquinone-7, Fermented Soybean Natto in Warfarin-Dependent Patients.

fermented soybeans (natto) contain high vitamin K2 levels, mostly as menaquinone-7 (MK-7), and must be avoided by warfarin-dependent patients. This is the first report which demonstrates the characteristics and clinical relevance of a low MK-7 natto for such patients. We generated a novel, mutant strain TTCC2051 with short-term fermentation and reduced MK-7 production, yielding 19-24% of the normal MK-7 content.

Bis(pentafluorophenyl)-o-carborane and its arylthio derivatives: synthesis, electrochemistry and optical properties.

Synthesis of 1,2-bis(pentafluorophenyl)-o-carborane and its arylthio-derivatives is reported. The regioselective arylthiolation was successfully achieved via nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SAr) reaction. A series of bis(perfluoroaryl)-o-carboranes with various para-substituents showed strong multicolor emission in the solid-state (Φ up to 47%), suggesting an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) character in this motif.

Postfunctionalization of a Perfluoroarene-Containing π-Conjugated Polymer via Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution Reaction.

Postfunctionalization is a useful strategy to tune the properties of conjugated polymers, while polymer reactions in the main chain of a conjugated backbone are still underexplored. Here we report the postfunctionalization of the main chain of a conjugated polymer via nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction. Poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene--tetrafluoro--phenylene) is used as a precursor to react with thiophenol derivatives in the presence of a base to enable multiple introduction of arylthio groups into the polymer main chain in high yield with preserving the backbone and the dispersity of the precursor polymer.