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Plasmalogen
Plasmalogen has a significant impact on brain health, and its reduction can lead to neurological diseases.
Plasmalogen's Anti-Neuroinflammatory Action
The primary functions of plasmalogen are to suppress neuroinflammation and provide antioxidant protection, making it a crucial defense mechanism when cells are under oxidative stress.
[Research Findings]
Neuroinflammation refers to the condition in which inflammation in the brain is heightened due to the activation of glial cells, leading to a rapid increase in the production of cytokines and free radicals. This condition is observed in various neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
When the endotoxin LPS (lipopolysaccharide) is administered peripherally to adult mice, it induces neuroinflammation and accumulation of β-amyloid protein (Aβ) in the brain.
Using this neuroinflammation model, it was discovered that the simultaneous administration of plasmalogen (Pls) inhibits the activation of glial cells, the expression of cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α, and the accumulation of Aβ in the brain induced by LPS.
The mechanism by which plasmalogen (Pls) acts in the brain is still under investigation, particularly regarding its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
Recent studies have shown that a protein molecule called Mfsd2a, a member of the Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS)*, functions as a transporter of glycerophospholipids in the brain's microvasculature. This discovery indicates that plasmalogen functions in the brain via this transport mechanism.
(Figure 5) The important expression of GNPAT as a synthetic enzyme for plasmalogens is inhibited in an NF-κB-dependent manner.
The mechanism by which plasmalogen (Pls) inhibits glial cell activation (neuroinflammation) induced by LPS involves the suppression of endocytosis of LPS and its receptor, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), which recognizes and activates LPS. It also inhibits the activation of NF-κB and Caspase-3. Additionally, it has been found that the expression of glyceronephosphate O-acyltransferase (GNPAT), a crucial enzyme for plasmalogen synthesis, is inhibited in an NF-κB-dependent manner (Figure 5).
*Mfsd2a is a sodium-dependent lysophosphatidylcholine symporter that facilitates DHA absorption into the brain.
Plasmalogens are a type of phospholipid that constitutes cell membranes. They are naturally occurring in the human body and play a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative damage through their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Plasmalogens also store beneficial fatty acids like DHA in the body. They are most abundant in the brain.
The reasons why scallop-derived plasmalogens are more effective include:
1. High Content of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (DHA, EPA): Plasmalogens derived from scallops contain a significant amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids such as DHA and EPA. These fatty acids are crucial components for brain health, helping to improve and protect brain function.
2. Naturally Sourced High-Purity Extract: Scallop-derived plasmalogens are a high-purity natural substance developed using patented technology. This ensures a product of guaranteed quality and safety, maximizing the efficacy of plasmalogens.
3. Efficacy Demonstrated through Clinical Trials: Scallop-derived plasmalogens have been validated through numerous clinical studies for their efficacy and benefits. These clinical results support the safety and effectiveness of scallop-derived plasmalogens.
The recommended intake of plasmalogens can vary depending on the situation. According to clinical trials, it is as follows:
1. For dementia patients: 1 mg of plasmalogens per day.
2. For working professionals and homemakers experiencing brain fatigue due to stress: 1 mg of plasmalogens per day.
3. For students or those preparing for exams: 1.5 mg of plasmalogens per day to enhance memory.
While you might expect to see better effects, it's important to stick to the recommended intake.
According to clinical trials, there are no reported side effects from overconsumption.
Safety has been confirmed based on tests conducted by the Institute of Rheological Function of Food Co. Ltd., including single-dose tests, 90-day repeated dose tests, Ames tests, and chromosomal aberration tests. Additionally, no side effects were observed in clinical trials involving human subjects who consumed 800 mg of plasmalogen per day for three months (approximately 800 times the recommended amount of plasmalogen).
Scallop-derived plasmalogen produced using patented technology (Figure 2) has a high total amount of 'plasmalogen', especially a very high DHA content in 'ethanolamine plasmalogen' (Figure 3).
1. What is Plasmalogen?
Plasmalogen is a vital component present in the tissues (cell membranes) of all mammals, including humans. Notably, 65% of the human brain is composed of lipids, of which 50% are phospholipids. Approximately 18% of these phospholipids are plasmalogen-type phospholipids. A decrease in plasmalogen levels is known to promote apoptosis (cell death), which can lead to Alzheimer's disease and other conditions.
Plasmalogen (Figure 1) is found in most human tissues and is particularly related to the enhancement of the nervous, immune, and cardiovascular systems. Plasmalogen is classified into ethanolamine and choline types, with ethanolamine plasmalogen being ten times more abundant in the human brain than choline plasmalogen.
20% of the adult brain cell membrane and 70% of the myelin sheath (the insulating layer surrounding nerve fibers) consist of ethanolamine plasmalogen.