Blueberry Extract Helps Treat Stroke by Balancing Gut Bacteria and Metabolism

Jenn Hoskins
15th August, 2024

Blueberry Extract Helps Treat Stroke by Balancing Gut Bacteria and Metabolism

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study from Macau University of Science and Technology explored the relationship between gut microbiota, kynurenine metabolism, and ischemic stroke (IS)
  • Rats with IS showed neurological impairments, an impaired intestinal barrier, and disturbed gut flora, worsening inflammation
  • The bacterium Prevotella was linked to IS severity, with higher levels of kynurenine and inflammation
  • Blueberry extract improved IS symptoms by altering gut bacteria, reducing kynurenine levels, and decreasing inflammation
Ischemic stroke (IS) remains a significant health challenge, often leading to severe neurological impairments. Recent research from the Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, People's Republic of China, has explored the intricate relationship between gut microbiota, kynurenine (KYN) metabolism, and IS, offering new insights into potential therapeutic approaches[1]. The study aimed to elucidate the protective mechanisms of gut microbiota and KYN metabolism against IS. Using a combination of serum metabolomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the researchers compared gut microbiota and metabolites in rats treated with and without blueberry extract. They employed faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to validate the protective role of gut microbiota in IS. Additionally, the interaction between the gut bacterium Prevotella and IS was examined in patients. Rats with IS displayed neurological impairments, an impaired intestinal barrier, and disturbed intestinal flora, which exacerbated inflammatory responses. Notably, the bacterium Prevotella was found to play a critical role in IS pathophysiology, with a positive correlation observed between Prevotella and KYN levels. The study further demonstrated that the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), which catalyzes the first step in the KYN pathway, was significantly upregulated in IS. Inhibiting IDO activity reduced KYN pathway activity and ameliorated neurological damage in rats with IS. Prevotella intervention also significantly improved stroke symptoms by decreasing KYN levels. The beneficial effects of blueberry extract on IS were shown to involve gut bacteria, particularly Prevotella, as confirmed by microbiological analyses in IS patients. Blueberry extract led to significant changes in kynurenic acid levels, tryptophan, and IDO levels through interactions with Prevotella. This study builds on earlier findings that the KYN pathway is a major route for L-tryptophan metabolism, yielding various bioactive compounds involved in neuropsychiatric disorders[2]. Dysregulation of the KYN pathway can lead to the production of neurotoxic metabolites, contributing to neurological damage. The current research highlights the potential of targeting the KYN pathway and gut microbiota for therapeutic interventions in IS. The findings align with previous studies showing that post-stroke inflammation upregulates the KYN pathway, correlating with stroke severity and outcomes[3]. By modulating the gut microbiota and KYN metabolism, particularly through the use of blueberry extract, the researchers demonstrated a novel approach to mitigating IS-related damage. Furthermore, the study supports the concept that dietary interventions, such as blueberry supplementation, can enhance cognitive performance and neural function, as seen in previous trials[4]. The ability of blueberry extract to modulate "intestinal microecology-KYN metabolism" offers a promising avenue for improving IS outcomes. In conclusion, this research underscores the importance of gut microbiota and KYN metabolism in IS pathophysiology and presents blueberry extract as a potential therapeutic agent. By targeting the gut-brain axis, particularly through the modulation of Prevotella and the KYN pathway, new strategies for IS treatment may emerge, improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of this debilitating condition.

MedicineHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Blueberry extract for the treatment of ischaemic stroke through regulating the gut microbiota and kynurenine metabolism.

Published 14th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8300

Related Studies

2) Galantamine-Memantine Combination and Kynurenine Pathway Enzyme Inhibitors in the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Disorders.

https://doi.org/10.1159/000515066

3) The role of tryptophan catabolism along the kynurenine pathway in acute ischemic stroke.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11064-010-0187-2

4) Enhanced neural activation with blueberry supplementation in mild cognitive impairment.

https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415X.2017.1287833


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