The potential of human milk oligosaccharides in ameliorating traumatic brain injury-induced cognitive impairment in mice.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the ameliorative effect and underlying mechanisms of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) on cognitive impairment induced by traumatic brain injury (TBI) in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the sham-operated group, TBI group, and TBI+HMOs group. The TBI model was established via controlled cortical impact (CCI). Mice in the TBI+HMOs group received daily HMOs administration by gavage, while other groups were given normal saline. Relevant indicators were detected using behavioral tests, pathological staining, Western blot, and other methods. RESULTS: HMOs significantly improved cognitive function in TBI mice, inhibited hippocampal oxidative stress and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), alleviated intestinal barrier injury, and regulated the expression of synaptophysin, BDNF, and pro-BDNF. CONCLUSION: HMOs exert neuroprotective effects by targeting central inflammation, oxidative stress, synaptic function, and intestinal barrier integrity, providing a novel natural therapeutic candidate for TBI treatment.