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Fermented mixed grain ameliorates chronic stress-induced depression-like behavior and memory deficit

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Abstract

Fermented mixed grain (FG) has beneficial anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of FG on gut inflammation, brain dysfunction, and anxiety/depression-like behavior induced by unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) in mice. Mice were administered mixed grain or FG for 3 weeks and were then exposed to UCMS for 4 weeks. FG administration ameliorated stress-induced anxiety/despair-like behavior. FG administration also prevented UCMS-induced memory impairment. Additionally, the mRNA levels of 5-HTR1A and IL-6 were restored to normal levels in the brains of FG-administered mice. FG administration also inhibited intestinal damage in stressed mice compared with that in the UCMS (without FG) group. These results suggest that FG can alleviate stress-induced intestinal damage, brain dysfunction, and cognitive impairment.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF) of Korea grant NRF-2019R1F1A1041471 and 2021R1F1A1059574 awarded to HW Kim.

Funding

Funding was provided by Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (Grant Numbers 2019R1F1A1041471 and 2021R1F1A1059574).

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  1. Jae Gwang Song and Bomi Lee have contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Bio-integrated Science and Technology, College of Life Sciences, Sejong University, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea

    Jae Gwang Song, Bomi Lee, Do Eon Kim & Hyung Wook Kim

  2. Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea

    Bong Kyeong Seo & Sae Hun Kim

  3. Department of Food and Biotechnology, Korea University, Sejong, 30019, Republic of Korea

    Nam Su Oh

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  1. Jae Gwang Song
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Song, J.G., Lee, B., Kim, D.E. et al. Fermented mixed grain ameliorates chronic stress-induced depression-like behavior and memory deficit. Food Sci Biotechnol 33, 969–979 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-023-01387-x

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