Mung Bean-Derived Protein Protects Against Neurodegeneration and Memory Impairment in Animal Model of Menopause with Obesity
Mahasap W, PhD1, Muchimapura S, BSc, PhD2,3,4, Wattanathorn J, BSc, PhD2,3,4, Thukhummee W, BSc, PhD2,3,4, On-ong-arj P, BSc, PhD3,4, Wannanon P, MD2,3,4
Affiliation : 1 Department of Physiology and Graduate School(Neuroscience Program), Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 2 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 3 Integrative Complementary Alternative Medicine Research and Development Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 4 Human High Performance and Health Promotion Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background : Menopause related neurodegeneration and memory impairment in obesity condition is increasing. Therefore, the
neuroprotectant and cognitive enhancer against the mentioned disorder is required.
Objective : In the present study, we aimed to assess the effect of mung bean protein supplement on the neuroprotective and cognitive
enhancing effects which was investigated in bilateral ovariectomized (OVX) rats with obesity.
Materials and Methods : Female Wistar rats, weighing 180 to 200 g, were induced experimental menopause by bilateral ovariectomy
and then they were induced obesity with high-fat diet. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats with obesity were fed with a high fat diet (HFD)
containing 15% mung bean for 8 weeks. The assessments of spatial memory and biochemical profiles, oxidative stress status and
apoptosis in the brain together with the serum lipid profiles were determined at the end of treatment.
Results : The results showed that mung bean protein treatment improved spatial memory in Morris water maze test. The acetylcho-
linesterase (AChE) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the hippocampus of OVX rats with obesity which received mung
bean protein were decreased. The density of Bax+ cells decreased, but the density of Bcl+ cells in the hippocampus increased.
Conclusion : Therefore, mung bean protein is the potential neuroprotectant and cognitive enhancer. The possible underlying
mechanism might occur partly via the improvement of cholinergic function, oxidative stress status, and apoptosis. However, the
clinical trial study was still necessary to confirm this effect.
Keywords : Mung bean, Memory impairment, Neurodegeneration, Obesity, Menopause
