Mechanism Explanation on Improved Cognitive Ability of D -Gal Inducing Aged Mice Model by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MWFLp-182 via the Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis

Gut microbiota can influence cognitive ability via the gut–brain axis. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MWFLp-182 ( L. plantarum MWFLp-182) was obtained from feces of long-living individuals and could exert marked antioxidant ability. Interestingly, this strain reduced the D -galactose-induced impaired cognitive ability in BALB/c mice. To comprehensively elucidate the underlying mechanism, we evaluated the colonization, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of L. plantarum MWFLp-182, along with the expression of potential genes associated with cognitive ability influenced and gut microbiota. L. plantarum MWFLp-182 enhanced the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and increased tight junction protein expression in the colon. Moreover, L. plantarum MWFLp-182 could modify the gut microbiota. Notably, treatment with L. plantarum MWFLp-182 upregulated the expression of postsynaptic density protein-95, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor, nerve growth factor, superoxide dismutase, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor/neuronal nuclei, while downregulating the expression of bcl-2-associated X and malondialdehyde in the hippocampus and upregulating short-chain fatty acids against D -galactose-induced mouse brain deficits. Accordingly, L. plantarum MWFLp-182 could improve cognitive ability in a D -galactose-inducing mouse model.