Dietary Protein Source Influences Brain Inflammation and Memory in a Male Senescence-Accelerated Mouse Model of Dementia

Dementia is a pathological condition characterized by a decline in memory, as well as in other cognitive and social functions. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of brain damage in dementia are not completely understood; however, neuroinflammation is involved. Evidence suggests that chronic inflammation may impair cognitive performance and that dietary protein source may differentially influence this process. Dietary protein source has previously been shown to modify systemic inflammation in mouse models. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effect of chronic dietary protein source substitution in an ageing and dementia male mouse model, the senescence-accelerated mouse-prone 8 (SAMP8) model. We observed that dietary protein source differentially modified memory as shown by inhibitory avoidance testing at 4 months of age. Also, dietary protein source differentially modified neuroinflammation and gliosis in male SAMP8 mice. Our results suggest that chronic dietary protein source substitution may influence brain ageing and memory-related mechanisms in male SAMP8 mice. Moreover, the choice of dietary protein source in mouse diets for experimental purposes may need to be carefully considered when interpreting results.