Probiotic may improve sleep quality: new research findings
A recent study published in Engineering has identified a potential new approach to managing sleep disorders. The research, led by a team of scientists from Jiangnan University and other institutions, focuses on the role of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-producing probiotics in regulating sleep and circadian rhythms.
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects a significant portion of the global population. Current first-line medications for sleep disorders often have suboptimal effectiveness, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies. In this study, the researchers first conducted a cross-sectional analysis and found that serum SAM levels were significantly reduced in insomnia patients. This discovery suggests that SAM could serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for sleep disorders.
The team then screened 60 gut strains and identified Lactobacillus helveticus CCFM1320, a high-SAM-producing probiotic. In a mouse model of sleep deprivation, treatment with CCFM1320 reversed neurobehavioral abnormalities, such as improved recognition and memory of new objects, reduced hyperactivity, and enhanced spatial exploration ability. Mechanistically, CCFM1320 enhanced the methylation of N-acetylserotonin, a precursor of melatonin synthesis, which normalized the expression of downstream circadian rhythm genes.
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