Title: Study Finds Natural Compound in Coffee Enhances Memory in Aged Mice
A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Tsukuba has revealed that Trigonelline (TG), a natural compound found in coffee and some vegetables, has the potential to significantly enhance spatial learning and memory in aged mice. The research, which focused on addressing age-related cognitive decline, indicated that TG modifies key molecular pathways and reduces neuroinflammation, providing insight into potential treatments for age-related cognitive impairments.
The study, published in GeroScience, involved oral administration of TG to aged mice for 30 days, after which the mice were tested using the Morris water maze. The results showed a significant improvement in spatial learning and memory performance compared to the control group that did not receive TG.
In addition to the behavioral improvements, the researchers conducted whole-genome transcriptomic analysis of the hippocampus to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying TG’s effects. They found that signaling pathways related to nervous system development, mitochondrial function, ATP synthesis, inflammation, autophagy, and neurotransmitter release were significantly modulated in the TG group.
Further analysis revealed that TG suppressed neuroinflammation by negatively regulating the signaling factor Traf6-mediated activation of the transcription factor NF-κB. Additionally, the levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly decreased, while the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin were significantly increased in the hippocampus.
The findings from this study suggest that TG has the potential to prevent and improve age-related spatial learning and memory impairment. These results are promising and may pave the way for the development of treatments targeting age-related cognitive decline.
The research was supported by DyDo DRINCO and Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST grant number JPMJPF2017). The publication reference for this study is “Transcriptomics and biochemical evidence of trigonelline ameliorating learning and memory decline in the senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) model by suppressing proinflammatory cytokines and elevating neurotransmitter release” by Sharmin Aktar, Farhana Ferdousi, Shinji Kondo, Tamami Kagawa, and Hiroko Isoda, and was published on 18 September 2023 with the DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00919-x.