Qingke β-glucan and Lactobacillus mitigate neuroinflammation and enhance cognitive function in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders and substantially impacts cognitive health and quality of life. Qingke β-glucan (Q) and its combination with Lactobacillus (Q&P) demonstrated a notable ability to alleviate anxiety behaviors and improve cognitive and learning memory deficits in APP/PS1 mice, a widely used model for AD. Q&P effectively reduced amyloid-β accumulation and Tau phosphorylation, protecting neurons from degeneration. Additionally, it increased the mRNA expression of BDNF and SYP, reduced synaptic damage, and suppressed neuroinflammation by decreasing the mRNA levels of IL-6, IL-17 A, and IL-22. Q&P also activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway, enhanced SOD activity, mitigated oxidative damage, and restored gut microbiota dysbiosis. Metabolomic and 16S rRNA sequencing analyses revealed significant modulation of the intestinal microbiome and metabolic pathways, with key roles identified for Lactobacillus, Muribaculum, Candidatus_Stoquefichus, and Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002. These microbiota adjustments influence tryptophan and linoleic acid metabolism, contributing to reduced inflammation and oxidative stress and improving neuronal health. By enhancing the intestinal microenvironment and regulating metabolic and microbial profiles, Q&P offers a sustainable and effective approach for preventing cognitive decline and promoting overall brain health in AD patients.