Neuroprotective effect of tempeh against lipopolysaccharide-induced damage in BV-2 microglial cells

Abstract

Objectives: This study evaluated the bioactive composition of tempeh products and examined the effects of tempeh on BV-2 microglial cell cytotoxicity, neurotrophic effects, and expression of inflammatory genes.

Methods: Tempeh products included soybean fermented by Rhizopus, soybean fermented through cocultivation with Rhizopus and Lactobacillus, and red bean fermented through cocultivation with Rhizopus and Lactobacillus (RT-C). We analyzed the bioactive contents of tempeh extracts and evaluated the effects of tempeh water extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated BV-2 cells.

Results: The results showed that RT-C water extract had the highest concentrations of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and anthocyanin. The tempeh water extracts, especially RT-C, reduced the formation of LPS-induced reactive oxygen species, downregulated the levels of nitric oxide synthase and phospho-cyclic-AMP response element-binding protein, and upregulated the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

Discussion: Our data demonstrate that RT-C has the highest concentrations of GABA and anthocyanin, more effectively reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, and increases the expression of BDNF in LPS-induced BV-2 cells.

Keywords:

• Tempeh
• GABA
• BV-2 cells
• Oxidative stress
• Inflammation
• Brain-derived neurotrophic factor

Acknowledgments

We greatly appreciate the technical assistance provided by Professor Chun-Yi Hu, Department of Food and Nutrition, MeiHo University, Taiwan.

Disclaimer statement

Contributors None.

Funding This study was supported by grants from the National Science Council, Taiwan (NSC 101-2313-B-126-008-MY3); the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan (MOST103-2313-B-041-002); and the Refining and Manufacturing Research Institute, CPC Corporation, Taiwan (EEF0319004). We greatly appreciate the technical assistance provided by Professor Chun-Yi Hu, Department of Food and Nutrition, MeiHo University, Taiwan.

Conflict of interest None.

Ethics approval None.

ORCID

Yin-Ching Chan http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9602-0775