A Japanese study showed that the consumption of amino LP7 is a specific combination of essential amino acids that can inhibit the development of dementia
National Institute of Quantum Science and Technology
Image: Brain atrophy occurs in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. A low-protein diet accelerates this condition, while the amino LP7 suppresses this condition. The arrow indicates the ventricle, which is observed to increase as the brain shrinks. see more
Image source: National Institute of Quantum Science and Technology
Dementia-a condition involving extreme loss of cognitive function-is caused by a variety of diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. According to estimates by the World Health Organization, about 10 million people worldwide suffer from dementia each year, which shows that this disease has a great psychological and social impact. Dementia mainly affects the elderly, and so far, simple and effective strategies to prevent this disease are still elusive.
In a recent study published in Science Advances, Japanese researchers showed that a low-protein diet can accelerate brain degeneration in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. More importantly, they found that amino LP7-a supplement containing seven specific amino acids-can slow the development of brain degeneration and dementia in these animals. Their work expands on previous studies that have demonstrated the effectiveness of Amino LP7 in improving cognitive function.
Dr. Makoto Higuchi from the National Institute of Quantum Science and Technology was one of the chief scientists of the study. He explained: “In the elderly, a low-protein diet is related to poor maintenance of brain function. Amino acids are a component of protein. Therefore, , We want to understand whether supplementing with essential amino acids can protect the brains of the elderly from dementia, and if so, what mechanisms will contribute to this protection."
First, the researchers studied how a low-protein diet affects the brain in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, which usually indicates the presence of neurodegeneration and abnormal protein aggregates in the brain, called "Tau" aggregates. They found that mice on a low-protein diet not only showed accelerated brain degeneration, but also showed signs of poor neuronal connections. Interestingly, these effects were reversed after amino LP7 supplementation, indicating that the combination of seven specific amino acids can inhibit brain damage.
Next, the research team studied how the amino group LP7 affects different signs of brain degeneration in Alzheimer's disease models. Untreated mice showed high levels of progressive brain degeneration, but amino LP7 treatment suppressed neuronal death, thereby reducing brain degeneration, even though Tau aggregates were still present. Dr. Akihiko Kitamura, who led the research, said: “Tau plaques in the brain are characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease, and most treatments are for them. However, we have shown that this can be overcome by supplementing with amino LP7. Tau deposits and prevents brain atrophy."
Next, in order to understand how Amino LP7 protects the brain, the researchers comprehensively analyzed the changes in gene levels induced by Amino LP7. Their findings are very encouraging. They observed that amino LP7 can reduce brain inflammation and prevent the inflammation-inducing agent kynurenine from entering the brain, thereby preventing inflammatory immune cells from attacking neurons. They also found that Amino LP7 can reduce neuronal death and improve neuronal connections, thereby improving brain function.
"These results indicate that essential amino acids can help maintain brain balance and prevent brain degeneration. Our study reports for the first time that specific amino acids hinder the development of dementia," said Dr. Hideaki Sato and Dr. Yuhei Takado, both of whom are concerned about this research. Made a significant contribution. "Although our research was conducted in mice, it brings hope that amino acid intake can also change the development of human dementia, including Alzheimer's disease," they added.
The research team’s research has opened up several ways to better understand how dementia occurs and how to prevent them. Given that amino LP7 can improve the brain function of elderly people without cognitive impairment, their research results indicate that it may also be effective for people with cognitive impairment.
In fact, this patent-pending supplement could one day help millions of people around the world lead an improved, dementia-free life.
"In a mouse model of tau protein disease, protein malnutrition accelerates the neurodegenerative process and is slowed by essential amino acids"
Sato Hideaki, Takato Yuhei, Toyoda Sakiko, Tsukamoto Masako, Minatohara Keiichiro, Takuwa Hiroyuki, Ukihata Takuya, Takahashi Manami, Shimojo Masafumi, Ono Maiko, Maeda Jun, Orihara Akemi, Sagawa Narahiko, Kazuo Aoki, Kawasaki Kiko, Kawasaki Mika, Ueno Satoko, Kanda Mayuka, Nishimura Mai, Suzuki Katsuya, Mitsui Akira, Nagao Kenji, Kitamura Akiko, Higuchi Makoto
"Science Progress" October 22, 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abd5046
About Japan's National Institute of Quantum Science and Technology
The National Institute of Quantum Science and Technology (QST) was established in April 2016 to comprehensively and comprehensively promote the development of quantum science and technology. The new organization was formed by the merger of the National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS) with certain businesses previously undertaken by the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA).
The mission of QST is to improve the level of quantum and radiology science and technology by devoting itself to the research and development of quantum science and technology, the impact of radiation on humans, radiation emergency medicine and the medical use of radiation.
To ensure that R&D has a significant academic, social and economic impact, and maximize the benefits from global innovation, QST is working hard to establish a world-leading R&D platform, explore new areas, and serve as a radiation protection and radiation center emergency medicine.
Website: https://www.qst.go.jp/site/qst-english/
About Dr. Makoto Higuchi, National Institute of Quantum Science and Technology, Japan
Dr. Makoto Higuchi is a well-known neuroscientist and the head of the functional brain imaging department of the National Institute of Quantum Science and Technology in Japan. Received a doctorate degree in 1997. Received a doctorate in medicine from Northeastern University Graduate School of Medicine, and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. His main research interest lies in translational molecular imaging, which aims to elucidate the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia, depression, and Alzheimer's disease. He was praised for developing reagents for imaging pathological tau protein deposits in neurodegenerative diseases.
The current work is supported by the Young Scientist Grant (20 K15910 to KM).
higuchi.makoto@qst.go.jp (Makoto Higuchi);
akihiko.kitamura.7y9@asv.ajinomoto.com (Akihiko Kitamura)
https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abd5046
In a mouse model of tau disease, the neurodegenerative process is accelerated by protein malnutrition and slowed by essential amino acids
MH applied for a patent related to this work; it was submitted by the National Institute of Quantum Science and Technology (Application No. PCT/JP2012/83286, filed on December 21, 2012). HS, MT-Y. and KS applied for patents related to this work; submitted by Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (application number O2019/172287 A1, published on September 12, 2019). HS, ST, MT-Y., SK, MI, NK, Mi.K., SU, Ma.K., MN, KS, AM, KN and AK are employed by Ajinomoto Co., Inc. The remaining authors conducted research using Ajinomoto Co., Inc. funds. The authors declare that they have no other competing interests.
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Masumi Nozato National Institute of Quantum Science and Technology nozato.masumi@qst.go.jp Office: 043-206-4658 x2664
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Copyright © 2021 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)