LAUSR

Abstract Cognitive impairment caused by aging is a global public health problem. The 5–8 kDa ultrafiltration fraction of oyster (Crassostrea hongkongensis) protein hydrolysate (OPU) could ameliorate learning and memory in aged zebrafish, however the mechanism is still unclear. In this paper OPU was applied to explore the mechanism of reducing cognitive impairment of aged zebrafish. The OPU significantly ameliorated behavior in aged zebrafish. It reversed age-induced low antioxidant activity, high lipid peroxidation, microglial activation, and production of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, TNF-α and CD11b. It could improve age-induced suppressive astrocyte biomarkers and associated BDNF-TrkB signaling because it increased the expression of gfap, bdnf, trkB and psd-95. OPU consumption could reverse age-induced neuronal loss and apoptosis, increase the neurotransmitters (Ach and r-GABA). The results demonstrated that OPU could ameliorate age-induced cognitive impairment. It may be a good base material to develop a related health food for the elderly.