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Milk lactoferrin supplementation enhances early brain development and cognition in postnatal piglets (1045.27)
Author(s) -
Wang Bing,
Chen Yue,
Zheng Zhi,
Zhu Xi,
Shi Yu,
Tian Dan,
Troy Frederic
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.28.1_supplement.1045.27
Subject(s) - lactoferrin , hippocampus , neurotrophic factors , cognition , brain derived neurotrophic factor , hippocampal formation , medicine , endocrinology , biology , neuroscience , genetics , receptor
Background: Lactoferrin (Lf) is an iron‐binding, sialylated glycoprotein prevalent in milk, and known to have multifunctional health benefits. Its potential role in neurodevelopment and cognition remains unknown. Objective: To determine the functional effect and underlying molecular biochemical mechanism of milk lactoferrin on early brain development and cognitive function in postnatal piglets. Method: 3‐day‐old male piglets (n=33) were randomly allocated 2 groups with supplemented Lf at a dose level of 155 mg/kg/d for 38 days. Global gene expression profile and the selected target gene and protein expression were determined. Learning and memory were assessed using an eight‐arm radial maze. Results: Dietary Lf enhanced the piglet learning speed and long‐term memory. Several gene expression pathways associated with promoting neurodevelopment and cognitive functions in Lf treatment group were up‐regulated in hippocampus. At least ten genes involved in the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway in the hippocampus were affected. Conclusion: Dietary promotes early brain development and cognitive functions by up‐regulating the BDNF signaling pathway in postnatal piglets. Grant Funding Source : Supported by Xiamen University and Nestle Research Centre Beijing