Neuroprotective effect of tempeh against lipopolysaccharide-induced damage in BV-2 microglial cells.

This study evaluated the bioactive composition of tempeh products and examined the effects of tempeh on BV-2 microglial cell cytotoxicity, neurotrophic effects, and expression of inflammatory genes. Tempeh products included soybean fermented by , soybean fermented through cocultivation with and , and red bean fermented through cocultivation with and (RT-C). We analyzed the bioactive contents of tempeh extracts and evaluated the effects of tempeh water extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated BV-2 cells. The results showed that RT-C water extract had the highest concentrations of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and anthocyanin. The tempeh water extracts, especially RT-C, reduced the formation of LPS-induced reactive oxygen species, downregulated the levels of nitric oxide synthase and phospho-cyclic-AMP response element-binding protein, and upregulated the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Our data demonstrate that RT-C has the highest concentrations of GABA and anthocyanin, more effectively reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, and increases the expression of BDNF in LPS-induced BV-2 cells.