Beneficial effects and mechanisms of phosvitin on Helicobacter pylori infection-induced gastric injury and abnormal behaviors

• PSV alleviates gastric inflammation in mice by clearing Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ). • PSV supplementation alleviated behavioral abnormalities in mice by reducing hippocampal apoptosis and neuroinflammation induced by H. pylori . • PSV intervention can regulate the levels of ghrelin and the gut microbiota, which play an important role in the stomach-brain connection. Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ), a highly prevalent chronic human pathogen, not only causes gastric damage but also induces neuroinflammation and abnormal behaviors. Phosvitin, a high-phosphorus protein found in egg yolk, has been demonstrated notable antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we first confirmed the antimicrobial effect of PSV against H. pylori in vitro. Subsequently, we utilized a mouse model to explore the effects of PSV on H. pylori infection-induced gastric damage and abnormal behaviors, and also delve the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that administration of PSV significantly reduced intragastric colonization of H. pylori , while effectively alleviating histopathological damage and gastric inflammation, indicating a protective effect on the stomach. Furthermore, PSV intervention suppressed H. pylori infection-induced neuroinflammation and the anxiety and depressive-like behaviors. These beneficial effects were potentially associated with the regulations of gastric ghrelin level and intestinal microbiota. Collectively, our results suggest that PSV intervention represents a promising therapeutic strategy for managing H. pylori infection-related diseases. This study innovatively uncovers the relationship between PSV, H. pylori and emotional health, providing novel insights into the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications. Phosvitin ameliorates Helicobacter pylori -induced abnormal behaviors in mice