In a recent study published in nutrientsResearchers investigated the effects of selenium- and/or zinc-enriched egg (SZE) diets on oxidative stress, cognitive impairment, and gut microbiota in D-galactose-induced aging mice. They found that the SZE diet could reduce organ damage and improve cognitive function in mouse models by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut microbiota.
background
The aging process involves irreversible structural and functional decline that is influenced by genetics and environment. It is characterized by an imbalance of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to cellular aging and age-related diseases. The essential trace elements selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) have shown anti-aging effects related to their role in reducing ROS and combating oxidative stress. Although the individual roles and pathways of Se and Zn in mitigating the effects of aging have been studied, the combined effects of Se and Zn remain to be elucidated.
Recognized for its high nutritional value, eggs contain essential nutrients such as protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and trace minerals, making a major contribution to human diet and health. SZE represents an innovative approach to increasing the potency of minerals with potential health benefits attributed to active substances such as ovalbumin, ovoglobulin, and phosphatides. However, our understanding of the nutritional functions and biological activities of SZE is currently limited. Therefore, researchers in this study aimed to investigate the chemical composition of SZE and assess its potential effects in reducing aging-related oxidative stress and inflammation and promoting intestinal health in a mouse model. did.
About research
We developed egg powder from SZE and normal egg (NE) and analyzed its composition. Mineral content in eggs was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).inside in vivo For the analysis, 70 male Kunming mice were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 10 each). The groups were as follows: control group (Con) received 0.9% saline, model group (Mod) received 0.9% saline, low dose SZE group (SZLE), high dose SZE. group (SZHE), normal egg group (OE), DL-selenomenthionine group (SeM), and ZnSO4 group (ZnSO4). All groups except Con were injected with D-galactose to induce senescence.
Maze-based spontaneous alternation tests and cognitive function tests were performed on mice. Blood samples were collected and levels of total superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were measured.
After 8 weeks of intervention, behavioral analysis, fasting, and euthanasia, brain, liver, duodenal tissues, and cecal contents were collected and analyzed. Organ index was calculated as organ weight divided by body weight. The Se and Zn contents of the organs were measured.
We measured the concentrations of acetylcholine (Ach), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and proteins in brain tissue. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) levels in liver tissues were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Genomic DNA was extracted from cecal contents and the V3–V4 region of the bacterial 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (16S rRNA) region was amplified.
Results and discussion
Moisture, lipid, and ash contents were found to be similar in SZE and NE, but the contents of protein, sugar, Se, Zn, iron, manganese, molybdenum, magnesium, and phospholipids were found to be higher in SZE than in NE. found. Total cholesterol and other heavy metals were found to be lower in his SZE than in his NE. Se was mainly abundant in egg white, and Zn was abundant in egg yolk.
in mein vivo As a result of the analysis, the researchers found that although mice in the Con and Mod groups initially gained weight, by the end of eight weeks, the organ indices of the Mod mice decreased, indicating organ atrophy. did. This effect was attenuated in the SZE, OE, SeM, and ZnSO groups.FourSZLE, and SZHE groups.
The brains of all mice were mainly enriched in Se and Zn, and their levels varied between groups. The Mod group had significantly lower SOD and GSH-Px levels and significantly higher MDA levels compared to Con. We found that alternation rates and dwell times in the new maze arm were significantly lower in the Mod group compared to Con. SZE was found to ameliorate brain dysfunction induced by D-galactose, as measured by Ach and AChE levels. Similarly, we found that SZE intervention reduced D-galactose-induced liver injury and inflammation based on interleukin, AST, and ALT levels.
Additionally, the microbiota of all groups was found to be significantly different. SZE helps maintain the balance of intestinal flora, Firmicutes and Bacteroideta. Blautia levels were found to correlate with inflammatory markers and antioxidant levels.
conclusion
The results of this study demonstrate the promising role of the SZE diet in reducing oxidative stress and improving gut microbiota balance in mice. Further research exploring the therapeutic applications of the SZE diet in humans is needed.
