Synergistic stress-relieving and cognitive-enhancing effects of walnut peptide and theanine in human brain organoid and mouse stress models.

BACKGROUNDStress is a prevalent mental health concern that often emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood. Since 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any novel anxiolytic pharmaceuticals, leading to increased interest in nutritional supplements as alternative therapies for stress management.

PURPOSEBuilding on our previous study, this work aims to investigate the synergistic effects of Theanine (Th) and Walnut Peptide (WP) on stress mitigation and cognitive enhancement.

STUDY DESIGNThis study employed both in vitro and in vivo approaches. The former employed the human brain organoid stress (BO-stress) model, while the latter utilized the C57BL/6J mouse-stress model to evaluate the effect of Th and WP.

METHODSIn the BO-stress model, the Th and WP combination was assessed for its effects on stress levels and the expression of neurotransmitters (GABA: Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; 5-HT: serotonin; DA: dopamine; Ach: acetylcholine), as well as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and serotonin transporter (SERT). In the in vivo study, mice were administered Th (85 mg/ml) + WP (200 mg/ml) or with vehicles (e.g., powder, yogurt, milk), and assessed for stress and cognitive performance. Neurotransmitter levels, SERT and BDNF expression levels were also measured.

RESULTSThe BO-stress model demonstrated that Th + WP reduced stress and regulated the expression of neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors. In the mouse-stress model, the treatment improved stress and cognitive performance, partially normalizing neurotransmitter imbalances by modulating SERT and BDNF expression. We also revealed a correlation between SERT levels in the BO-stress model and those in the hippocampus of the mouse-stress model (r = 0.640). Western blot analysis further demonstrated Th + WP upregulated the expression of BDNF, TrkB (Tyrosine kinase B) and phosphorylation of CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein).

CONCLUSIONIn this study, we demonstrated that combined treatment with Th and WP modulates the BDNF-TrkB-CREB signaling pathway, resulting in downregulation of SERT expression and elevation of BDNF levels in the BO stress model. These molecular changes were accompanied by improved behavioral performance in mice subjected to stress and cognitive assessments. Our findings highlight the potential of Th + WP as non-pharmacological interventions for stress reduction and cognitive enhancement. Additionally, correlation analysis revealed a strong association in SERT expression between the BO and mouse stress models, further supporting cross-model consistency.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe established the novel human brain organoid-stress model, and coupled with mouse-stress model, we elucidated the synergistic actions of Th and WP in mitigating stress and augmenting cognitive function. Their effects were demonstrated to through the regulation of SERT, BDNF as well as the BDNF-TrkB-CREB pathway. This study presented a promising non-pharmacological avenue for mental health care. In addition, species differences between humans and mice were also examined through correlation analysis involving brain organoid and mouse models.