Skip to main content
ARS Home » Northeast Area » Boston, Massachusetts » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #307433
Title: Differential protective effects of serum metabolites from young and old walnut-fed rats against stress-induced neurotoxicity in BV-2 microglial cells

Author
item Shukitt-Hale, Barbara
item Fisher, Derek
item BIELINSKI, DONNA - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University
item POULOSE, SHIBU - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University

Submitted to: American Aging Association
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/15/2014
Publication Date: 5/30/2014
Citation: Shukitt Hale, B., Fisher, D.R., Bielinski, D.F., Poulose, S.M. 2014. Differential protective effects of serum metabolites from young and old walnut-fed rats against stress-induced neurotoxicity in BV-2 microglial cells. [abstract]. American Aging Association. 127:73.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Diets rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and/or polyphenols have been shown to improve neurochemical and behavioral function. Walnuts contain high amounts of omega fatty acids such as alpha linoleic acid (ALA) and linolenic (LA), as well as polyphenols and minerals. Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that feeding aged rats diets supplemented with walnuts protected against age-associated behavioral decrements in rats by enhancing protective signaling and reducing inflammation in the brain. In the current study, we investigated whether the serum collected from young and aged F344 rats would enhance protection on stressed BV-2 microglia in vitro. Blood serum was collected from 3 and 18 month old rats prior to diet initiation (baseline) and again at 6 and 21 months of age following 12 weeks of feeding with walnut diets (0%, 6% and 9%, w/w). Behavioral testing in the radial arm water maze, conducted during weeks 9-11, showed significant effects of age, with older rats making more total, reference memory, and working memory errors; the walnut diets protected against these decrements. Additionally, serum from control-fed young rats was more protective against lipopolysaccharide-induced nitrite release compared to that of control-fed old rats. However, walnut diet serum significantly attenuated the increase in nitrite compared to serum from control-fed rats in both young and old rats. The results also indicated a significant reduction in pro-inflammatory TNF-alpha, COX-2 and iNOS. These results suggest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection or enhancement of membrane-associated functions in brain cells by walnut serum compounds, possibly walnut metabolites, found in the serum. Future studies will attempt to identify these metabolites. Supported by USDA Intramural funds and the California Walnut Commission