Lactobacillus-derived vesicles for stress and depression treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for mental disorders such as stress, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and depression often come with side effects and are not effective for all patients, particularly the elderly, and there is a growing need for alternative solutions that address the underlying gut microbial dysbiosis associated with these conditions.
Innovation Solution
A composition using Lactobacillus sp. bacteria-derived vesicles, specifically from Lactobacillus plantarum or Lactobacillus casei, isolated from culture solutions or food, which are administered to provide antistress and antidepressant effects by improving gut health and neurotransmitter balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional antidepressants (SSRI-based drugs) are used to treat depression, then neurotransmitter reuptake inhibition is achieved, but stability problems and increased risk of stroke, fractures and death in elderly patients occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 as an intermediary substance to mediate the treatment of depression. Instead of directly administering antidepressants that affect neurotransmitter reuptake, the probiotic bacteria act as a mediator that indirectly influences brain function through the gut-brain axis, producing neurotransmitters and metabolites that improve mood without the harmful side effects of conventional medications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/pharmacological system of direct neurotransmitter reuptake inhibition with a biological system involving probiotic bacteria. The mechanical action of drug molecules blocking reuptake transporters is substituted by the biological processes of Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 producing neurotransmitters (serotonin, GABA, dopamine) and metabolites that naturally regulate mood and emotion
2Reliability
If Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 is used to treat depression, then gut health and neurotransmitter balance are improved, but the mechanism of action is not yet fully understood
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms to understand and optimize the action of Lactobacillus plantarum PS128. Behavioral tests (forced swim test, tail suspension test, social interaction test) provide feedback on the effectiveness of treatment, allowing researchers to measure and understand the relationship between probiotic administration and depression-like behaviors. This feedback loop helps elucidate the mechanism by which the probiotic affects brain function and mood
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a composition for preventing, improving or treating a mental disorder, the composition containing a Lactobacillus sp. bacteria-derived vesicle as an active ingredient. The present inventors have confirmed that, when a Lactobacillus sp. bacteria-derived vesicle is administered to a stress and depression animal model, resistance to stress efficiently increases, and an effect of treating chronically persisting long-term depression behavior is exhibited, and thus the Lactobacillus sp. bacteria-derived vesicle, according to the present invention, is expected to be capable of being usefully employed in developing a medicine or a functional health food, etc., for preventing, reducing the symptoms of or treating a mental disorder such as stress, anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, depression, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and schizophrenia.