Fermented date residue extract mix containing gamma-aminobutyric acid augments the immune function of mouse splenocytes

An extract of date (fruit of a palm tree) residue plus food-grade glutamate, acetic acid, and yeast extract (date residue extract mix, DREM) has been successfully fermented with using Lactobacillus brevis JCM 1059(T) to produce gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Here, mouse splenocytes were found to be viable when supplemented with DREM and fermented DREM containing GABA (fDREM). The addition of DREM and fDREM resulted in the secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha from the splenocytes, fDREM being more effective than DREM. The TNF-alpha secretion with DREM was elevated by exogenous addition of GABA and that with fDREM was in part mediated via A-type GABA receptors. Contrary to general understanding of the suppressive effects of GABA on various biological functions, our findings suggest that GABA-containing fDREM arguments the immune function as a food and pharmaceutical material. [GRAPHICS] fDREM containing GABA augments the immune function through elevation of TNF-alpha secretion.

Automated summary

The study showed that fDREM containing GABA enhances immune function by increasing TNF-alpha secretion, with fDREM being more effective than DREM. This suggests that GABA in fDREM may have a different impact on immune function compared to traditional understanding.