Effect of Probiotic Fungi against Cognitive Impairment in Mice via Regulation of the Fungal Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis

Abstract

The fungal microbiota may be involved in the regulation of cognition and behavior, while the role of probiotic fungi against cognitive impairment is unclear. Here, we explored the idea that probiotic <i>Saccharomyces boulardii</i> could participate in the regulation of microglia-induced neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) model mice. Cognitive deficits, deposits of amyloid-β (Aβ) and phosphorylation of tau, synaptic plasticity, microglia activation, and neuroinflammatory reactions were observed. The expression levels of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) pathway-related proteins were detected. Meanwhile, intestinal barrier integrity and fungal microbiota composition were evaluated. Our results showed fungal microbiota dysbiosis in APP/PS1 mice, which might result in the neuroinflammation of AD. The increased levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and cluster of differentiation 11b (CD11b) were observed in APP/PS1 mice, which were associated with activation of microglia, indicative of a broader recognition of neuroinflammation mediated by fungal microbiota compared to hitherto appreciated. Probiotic <i>S. boulardii</i> treatment improved dysbiosis, alleviated the neuroinflammation as well as synaptic injury, and ultimately improved cognitive impairment. Moreover, <i>S. boulardii</i> therapy could inhibit microglia activation and the TLRs pathway, which were reversed by antifungal treatment. These findings revealed that <i>S. boulardii</i> actively participated in regulating the TLRs pathway to inhibit the neuroinflammation via the gut-brain axis.