TNF-α modulation by rice bran peptides: implications for gut microbiota stability and cognitive health in aging.

Jianfei Mu, Qinlu Lin, Shuang Wang, Mingfeng Chen, Jianqiang Wang, Yajuan Chen, Yusheng Li, Ying Liang

Molecular Nutrition Branch, National Engineering Research Center of Rice and By-product Deep Processing, College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

Aging-related neuroinflammation drives cognitive decline; however, the mechanisms by which gut microbiota-modulating bioactive compounds, such as rice bran peptide KF-8, mitigate this process remain unclear. Here, KF-8 was shown to ameliorate age-related traits in aged mice by reshaping gut microbiota, notably by stabilizing Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK), to suppress systemic inflammation and cognitive deficits. Specifically, antibiotic-treated mice receiving KF-8 exhibited neuroinflammation and declined cognition. KF-8 and AKK synergistically attenuated pro-inflammatory pathways, particularly TNF-α, in the blood and in the hippocampus. While TNF-α antibodies mirrored KF-8's benefits, TNF-α recombinant protein negated KF-8's protective effects. Combined KF-8 and AKK interventions aligned with TNF-α antibody outcomes, underscoring TNF-α's pivotal role. Our findings reveal that KF-8 enhances healthy aging by modulating gut microbiota, sustaining AKK, and suppressing TNF-α-driven neuroinflammation, thereby rescuing cognitive function in aged mice.

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Research summary

Rice bran peptide KF-8 modulates gut microbiota to suppress TNF-α-driven neuroinflammation and cognitive decline in aged mice. The study addresses mechanisms that may contribute to healthy aging by targeting inflammation and gut microbiota stability, which are critical factors in the aging process.

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