Caffeine combined with taurine improves cognitive function and locomotor performance in sleep-deprived mice

Abstract

Sleep deprivation negatively influences cognitive function and locomotor performance. In this study, a sleep-deprived mice model was used to evaluate the protective effects of caffeine combined with taurine (C&T, 4.35, 8.70, 13.05 g/kg) on fatigue and the underlying mechanisms, showing that a high concentration of combined caffeine and taurine significantly increased the movement speed in the open field by 47 % (3.69 vs 5.42 cm/s, P < 0.05) and in the Y maze (3.31 vs 6.40 cm/s, P < 0.01). Combined caffeine and taurine improved the cognitive deficits and locomotor imbalance caused by sleep deprivation. Additionally, after weight-loaded swimming test, the caffeine and taurine-treated mice had increased glycogen content and antioxidant enzyme activity and significantly reduced serum inflammatory factors indicating that the mechanism may involve reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. In conclusion, combined caffeine and taurine may be a potential treatment for preventing and improving fatigue.

Keywords

• Caffeine
• Taurine
• Sleep deprivation
• Anti-fatigue
• Cognitive and locomotor function