Changes in Locomotor Activity and Oxidative Stress-Related Factors after the Administration of an Amino Acid Mixture by Generation and Age

Amino acids, as nutrients, are expected to improve sleep disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the generation- and age-dependent sleep-improving effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) coadministration. The differentially expressed genes and generation-related behavior after the administration of a GABA/5-HTP mixture were measured in a Drosophila model, while age-related changes in gene expression and oxidative stress-related parameters were measured in a mouse model. The GABA/5-HTP-treated group showed significant behavioral changes compared to the other groups. Sequencing revealed that the GABA/5-HTP mixture influenced changes in nervous system-related genes, including those involved in the regulation of the expression of behavioral and synaptic genes. Additionally, total sleep time increased with age, and nighttime sleep time in the first- and third-generation flies was significantly different from that of the control groups. The GABA/5-HTP mixture induced significant changes in the expression of sleep-related receptors in both models. Furthermore, the GABA/5-HTP mixture reduced levels of ROS and ROS reaction products in an age-dependent manner. Therefore, the increase in behavioral changes caused by GABA/5-HTP mixture administration was effective in eliminating ROS activity across generations and ages.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the sleep-improving effects of a GABA/5-HTP mixture in different generations and ages using Drosophila and mouse models. The mixture influenced nervous system-related genes, increased total sleep time, and reduced oxidative stress. The behavioral changes induced by the mixture were effective in eliminating ROS activity across generations and ages.