Dietary L-proline supplementation ameliorates autism-like behaviors and modulates gut microbiota in the valproic acid-induced mouse model of autism spectrum disorder

The effective intervention strategy for autism spectrum disorder(ASD)are currently limited.Herein,we attempted to evaluate the potential of L-proline(Pro),a multifunctional amino acid,in ameliorating autismlike behaviors and clarify the molecular mechanisms involved by using the typical valproic acid(VPA)-induced mouse model of ASD.Pro significantly attenuates repetitive behaviors and social dysfunction in ASD mice.The correlation analysis revealed that the beneficial effects of Pro on autism-like behaviors are related to the modulation of gut microbiota structure and composition.The histological analysis revealed that Pro could reverse the decrease of Nissl-positive cells in the prefrontal cortex(PFC)induced by VPA exposure.RNA sequencing demonstrated that Pro can also alter the PFC transcriptomic profile distinguished by the regulation of genes involved in Parkinson disease,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,oxidative phosphorylation,and mitogen activated protein kinase signaling pathway.Overall,dietary Pro supplementation may be a promising intervention strategy for ASD.

In vitro and in vivo antihypertensive and antioxidant activities of fermented roots of Allium hookeri

Objective:To evaluate antihypertensive and antioxidant activities of Allium hookeri root(AHR)fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum,Leuconostoc mesenteroides,and Weissella cibaria.Methods:The novel fermented AHR products using L.plantarum,L.mesenteroides,and W.cibaria were developed and ACE inhibitory activity,DPPH radical scavenging activity,hydroxyl radical scavenging activity,superoxide anion radical scavenging activity,total phenolic content,and total thiosulfinate content were determined.The antihypertensive and antioxidant effects of fermented AHR were further investigated in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRs).Results:Administration of fermented AHR to SHRs had an attenuating effect on both diastolic and systolic blood pressure.The SHRs treated with fermented AHR showed lower plasma ACE activity and higher plasma NO levels.Furthermore,fermented AHR administration led to parallel improvements in plasma oxidative stress biomarkers in SHRs.Conclusion:Our results highlight the potential usefulness of fermented AHR for the prevention of hypertension.

α-Ionone protects against UVB-induced photoaging in epidermal keratinocytes

Objective: To evaluate whether α-ionone, an aromatic compound mainly found in raspberries, carrots,roasted almonds, fruits, and herbs, inhibits UVB-mediated photoaging and barrier dysfunction in a human epidermal keratinocyte cell line(HaCaT cells).Methods: The anti-photoaging effect of α-ionone was evaluated by detecting the expression of barrierrelated genes and matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) in HaCaT cells. The levels of reactive oxygen species,oxidation product, antioxidant enzyme, and inflammatory factors were further analysed to underline the protective effect of α-ionone on epidermal photoaging.Results: It was found that α-ionone attenuated UVB-induced barrier dysfunction by reversing keratin 1and filaggrin in HaCaT cells. α-Ionone also reduced the protein amount of MMP-1 and mRNA expression of MMP-1 and MMP-3 in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells, implying protective effects on extracellular matrix.Furthermore, HaCaT cells exposed to α-ionone showed significant decreases in interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6,IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α as compared to UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. α-Ionone treatment significantly inhibited the UVB-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species increase and malondialdehyde accumulation. Therefore, the beneficial effects of α-ionone on inhibiting MMPs secretion and barrier damage may be related to attenuated inflammation and oxidative stress.Conclusion: Our results highlight the protective effects of α-ionone on epidermal photoaging and promote its clinic application as a potential natural anti-photodamage agent in future.