Effects of black soybean seed coat (BSSC) crude extract on the immune regulation, gut microbiota, and brain function of mice with sleep deprivation

Circadian rhythm disruption induces oxidative stress in the brain and gut, causing chronic inflammation and immune imbalance. Using the Lafayette sleep fragmentation device to simulate sleep deprivation, sleep disruption was induced in 6-week-old male C57Bl/6J mice for a duration of 28 days. These results showed administration of BSSC crude extract could significantly differentiate helper T cells into Th1, reduce Th2/Th1 ratio, and improve eosinophil and basophil counts due to sleep deprivation. Furthermore, the crude extract notably improved reduced gut microbial abundance and enhanced gut barrier integrity caused by sleep deprivation. Gene expression analysis showed BSSC crude extract mitigated dysregulation in rhythmic and serotonin-related genes, reducing inflammatory gene expression in the brain. In conclusion, BSSC crude extract has the potential to address sleep disturbance-induced immune imbalance, reduced gut microbial abundance, altered gut microbiota, and brain gene disruption.