Porphyra tenera Protects against PM 2.5 -Induced Cognitive Dysfunction with the Regulation of Gut Function.

To evaluate the biological effects of Porphyra tenera ( P. tenera ), we tried to confirm the possibility that the intake of P. tenera could modulate cognitive and intestinal functions in PM 2.5 -induced cognitive decline mice. P. tenera attenuated PM 2.5 -induced learning and memory impairment through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by regulating the mitochondrial function and TLR-initiated NF-κB signaling. In addition, P. tenera effectively alleviated Aβ production/tau phosphorylation by inhibiting the JNK phosphorylation. Also, the bioactive constituents of P. tenera determined the sulfated galactan, mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), and chlorophyll derivatives. Moreover, the bioactive compounds of P. tenera by gut fermentation protected against gut dysbiosis and intestinal tight junction damage with a decrease in inflammatory response and short-chain fatty acid production. Based on these results, our findings suggest that P. tenera with sulfated galactan and MAAs is a potential material for cognitive function improvement.