The efficacy of donepezil administration on acetylcholinesterase activity and altered redox homeostasis in Alzheimer’s disease

Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) improves cholinergic signaling and protects against chronic Scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice

BACKGROUND

Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) is a berry rich in anthocyanins, bioactive compounds known for their antioxidant and neuroprotective properties that benefit human health.

AIMS

This study aimed to investigate the effects of blackcurrant and its association with Donepezil on memory impairment, cholinergic neurotransmission, and antioxidant systems in a mouse model of amnesia induced by chronic administration of Scopolamine.

METHODS

Adult male Swiss mice were given saline, blackcurrant (50 mg/kg, orally), and/or Donepezil (5 mg/kg, orally) and/or Scopolamine (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneally).

RESULTS

Behavioral tests revealed that blackcurrant and/or Donepezil prevented the learning and memory deficits induced by Scopolamine. In the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, blackcurrant and/or Donepezil treatments prevented the increase in acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities induced by Scopolamine. Scopolamine also disrupted the glutathione redox system and increased levels of reactive species; nevertheless, blackcurrant and/or Donepezil treatments were able to prevent oxidative stress. Furthermore, these treatments prevented the increase in gene expression and protein density of acetylcholinesterase and the decrease in gene expression of the choline acetyltransferase enzyme induced by Scopolamine.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that blackcurrant and Donepezil, either alone or in combination, have anti-amnesic effects by modulating cholinergic system enzymes and improving the redox profile. Therefore, blackcurrant could be used as a natural supplement for the prevention and treatment of memory impairment in neurodegenerative diseases.

The combined effect of morin and hesperidin on memory ability and oxidative/nitrosative stress in a streptozotocin-induced rat model of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most frequent neurodegenerative disease within dementias, affects the CNS, leading to gradual memory issues and cognitive dysfunction. Oxidative stress in AD contributes to ongoing neuronal loss and hastens disease progression. Notably, the potent antioxidant compounds morin and hesperidin have demonstrated significant effectiveness in addressing oxidative stress. This study explores the impact of morin and hesperidin on behavior and oxidative stress in the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced AD rat model. The experiment involved five groups: control, STZ, STZ+morin, STZ+hesperidin, and STZ+morin+hesperidin. The rat model of AD was created by injecting STZ with the stereotaxic surgery. Morin and hesperidin were applied to the groups for 7-days. After the applications, the Morris water maze (MWM) and novel object recognition (NOR) tests were used and the rats were sacrificed. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NOx), and protein carbonyl (PC) levels were measured. In the STZ group, the levels of NOx and PC exhibited a noteworthy increase compared to the control. Conversely, the application of morin and/or hesperidin treatments reduced NOx and PC levels compared to the STZ group. The co-administration of morin and hesperidin improved the antioxidant status and decreased lipid peroxidation in STZ-induced rats. In the STZ group, serum advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) levels were statistically elevated compared to the control. However, in the treatment groups, morin and/or hesperidin successfully decreased AOPP levels to those observed in the control. The combined use of these flavonoids may have a neuroprotective effect regarding memory problems and decreasing oxidative/nitrosative stress.

Redox changes and cellular senescence in Alzheimer's disease

The redox process and cellular senescence are involved in a range of essential physiological functions. However, they are also implicated in pathological processes underlying age-related neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated as a result of abnormal accumulation of beta-amyloid peptide (Aβ), tau protein, and heme dyshomeostasis and is further aggravated by mitochondria dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Excessive ROS damages vital cellular components such as proteins, DNA and lipids. Such damage eventually leads to impaired neuronal function and cell death. Heightened oxidative stress can also induce cellular senescence via activation of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype to further exacerbate inflammation and tissue dysfunction. In this review, we focus on how changes in the redox system and cellular senescence contribute to AD and how they are affected by perturbations in heme metabolism and mitochondrial function. While potential therapeutic strategies targeting such changes have received some attention, more research is necessary to bring them into clinical application.

Combined Donepezil with Astaxanthin via Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Effective Delivery to Brain for Alzheimer's Disease in Rat Model

Introduction

Donepezil (DPL), a specific acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, is used as a first-line treatment to improve cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and it might have a disease modifying effect. Astaxanthin (AST) is a natural potent antioxidant with neuroprotective, anti-amyloidogenic, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to prepare nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) co-loaded with donepezil and astaxanthin (DPL/AST-NLCs) and evaluate their in vivo efficacy in an AD-like rat model 30 days after daily intranasal administration.

Methods

DPL/AST-NLCs were prepared using a hot high-shear homogenization technique, in vitro examined for their physicochemical parameters and in vivo evaluated. AD induction in rats was performed by aluminum chloride. The cortex and hippocampus were isolated from the brain of rats for biochemical testing and histopathological examination.

Results

DPL/AST-NLCs showed z-average diameter 149.9 ± 3.21 nm, polydispersity index 0.224 ± 0.017, zeta potential -33.7 ± 4.71 mV, entrapment efficiency 81.25 ±1.98% (donepezil) and 93.85 ±1.75% (astaxanthin), in vitro sustained release of both donepezil and astaxanthin for 24 h, spherical morphology by transmission electron microscopy, and they were stable at 4-8 ± 2°C for six months. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that donepezil and astaxanthin were molecularly dispersed in the NLC matrix in an amorphous state. The DPL/AST-NLC-treated rats showed significantly lower levels of nuclear factor-kappa B, malondialdehyde, β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme-1, caspase-3, amyloid beta (Aβ1‑42), and acetylcholinesterase, and significantly higher levels of glutathione and acetylcholine in the cortex and hippocampus than the AD-like untreated rats and that treated with donepezil-NLCs. DPL/AST-NLCs showed significantly higher anti-amyloidogenic, antioxidant, anti-acetylcholinesterase, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects, resulting in significant improvement in the cortical and hippocampal histopathology.

Conclusion

Nose-to-brain delivery of DPL/AST-NLCs is a promising strategy for the management of AD.

Acute oral toxicity, cognitive-enhancing and anti-lipid peroxidation efficacy, and qualitative phytochemistry of the aqueous aerial part extract of Launaea cornuta (Hochst. ex. Oliv. &Hiern) C. Jeffrey

At present, there is no cure for dementia or its related cognitive impairments. Available treatments only provide symptomatic relief and do not alter the disease's progression and they suffer serious drawbacks limiting their clinical use, hence the need for alternative therapies. Although Launaea cornuta has been used traditionally to treat cognitive deficits, its pharmacological efficacy and safety have not been empirically validated, prompting this study. Acute oral toxicity of the extract was examined in Swiss albino mice using the up-and-down procedure described by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development guideline number 425. The Morris water maze technique was adopted in assessing cognitive-enhancing effects of the extract in ketamine-induced cognitive-impaired mice. The malondialdehyde concentrations in the whole brain of experimental mice involved in the MWM experiment were measured to determine the extract's anti-lipid peroxidation efficacy. Qualitative phytochemical screening of the extract was performed using standard procedures. Our results showed that the test extract was safe and did not cause any clinical signs of acute oral toxicity in mice at all doses (LD50 > 2000 mg/kg BW). Moreover, the extract significantly improved cognitive function in ketamine-induced cognitive-impaired mice in a dose-dependent manner, as indicated by reduced escape latency, navigation distance, and longer latency in the target quadrant during the probe trial. The extract also significantly reduced malondialdehyde concentrations in mice in a dose-dependent manner, demonstrating its antioxidative stress efficacy. The studied extract contained various phytochemicals associated with cognitive enhancement and antioxidant efficacy, among other pharmacologic effects. Further empirical studies are needed to determine and characterise the extract's specific cognitive-enhancing compounds, specific mechanisms of action, and complete toxicity profiles.

Investigation Covering the Effect of Boron plus Taurine Application on Protein Carbonyl and Advanced Oxidation Protein Products Levels in Experimental Alzheimer Model

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia that occurs in the brain. This is a chronic neurodegenerative disease which is valid in 60-70% of all dementia patients. Boron, regarded as a potential antioxidant, has the effect of reducing oxidative stress. Taurine, as one of the thiol-containing amino acids, exists at different concentrations in both the neurons and glial cells of the central nervous system. It plays an important role in the protective and adjuvant therapies as an antioxidant due to its characteristics of maintaining the oxidant-antioxidant balance of the body as well as cell integrity and increasing body resistance. Based on this information, our objective was to reveal the effect of boron alone, taurine alone plus co-administration of taurine and boron application on brain tissue protein carbonyls (PC) and serum advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) levels in the experimental Alzheimer's model. For this purpose, 5 groups were formed in our study which consisted of 30 Wistar albino male rats. The rats were given a single dose of STZ stereotaxically. At the end of this period, the rats were decapitated, plus their brain tissues and blood were removed. Our findings suggested that taurine alone and co-administration of boron and taurine had a decreasing effect on AOPP and PC levels of the experimental Alzheimer model of the rats.

Therapeutic potential of blackberry extract in the preventing memory deficits and neurochemical alterations in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum of a rat model with amnesia

The blackberry (Rubus sp.) is a popular fruit that has a high concentration of phenolic compounds. Pharmacological investigations have demonstrated the important biological activities of the blackberry extract, such as neuroprotective actions. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of blackberry extract on memory and neurochemical parameters in rats subjected to scopolamine (SCO)-induced amnesia. Male rats were divided into five groups: I, control (saline); II, SCO; III, SCO + Rubus sp. (100 mg/kg); IV, SCO + Rubus sp. (200 mg/kg); and V, SCO + donepezil (5 mg/kg). Blackberry extract and donepezil were orally administered for 10 days. On day 11, group I received saline, and groups II, III, IV, and V received SCO (1 mg/kg) intraperitoneally after object recognition behavioral training. Twenty-four hours after the training session, animals were subjected to an object recognition test. Finally, the animals were euthanized, and the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum were collected to evaluate the oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Rubus sp. extract prevented memory impairment induced by SCO in a manner similar to that of donepezil. Additionally, Rubus sp. extract and donepezil prevented the increase in AChE activity induced by SCO in all the evaluated brain structures. SCO induced oxidative damage in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum, which was prevented by Rubus sp. and donepezil. Our results suggest that the antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities of Rubus sp. are associated with memory improvement; hence, it can potentially be used for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Palm Oil Derived Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction Attenuates Vascular Dementia in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Vascular dementia (VaD) is a serious global health issue and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients are at higher risk. Palm oil tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) exhibits neuroprotective properties; however, its effect on VaD is not reported. Hence, we evaluated TRF effectiveness in T2DM-induced VaD rats. Rats were given a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) and nicotinamide (NA) to develop T2DM. Seven days later, diabetic rats were given TRF doses of 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg orally for 21 days. The Morris water maze (MWM) test was performed for memory assessment. Biochemical parameters such as blood glucose, plasma homocysteine (HCY) level, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) level, and histopathological changes in brain hippocampus and immunohistochemistry for platelet-derived growth factor-C (PDGF-C) expression were evaluated. VaD rats had significantly reduced memory, higher plasma HCY, increased AChE activity, and decreased GSH and SOD levels. However, treatment with TRF significantly attenuated the biochemical parameters and prevented memory loss. Moreover, histopathological changes were attenuated and there was increased PDGF-C expression in the hippocampus of VaD rats treated with TRF, indicating neuroprotective action. In conclusion, this research paves the way for future studies and benefits in understanding the potential effects of TRF in VaD rats.

Understanding How Physical Exercise Improves Alzheimer’s Disease: Cholinergic and Monoaminergic Systems

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by the accumulation of proteinaceous aggregates and neurofibrillary lesions composed of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide and hyperphosphorylated microtubule-associated protein tau, respectively. It has long been known that dysregulation of cholinergic and monoaminergic (i.e., dopaminergic, serotoninergic, and noradrenergic) systems is involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Abnormalities in neuronal activity, neurotransmitter signaling input, and receptor function exaggerate Aβ deposition and tau hyperphosphorylation. Maintenance of normal neurotransmission is essential to halt AD progression. Most neurotransmitters and neurotransmitter-related drugs modulate the pathology of AD and improve cognitive function through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Exercise therapies provide an important alternative or adjunctive intervention for AD. Cumulative evidence indicates that exercise can prevent multiple pathological features found in AD and improve cognitive function through delaying the degeneration of cholinergic and monoaminergic neurons; increasing levels of acetylcholine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine; and modulating the activity of certain neurotransmitter-related GPCRs. Emerging insights into the mechanistic links among exercise, the neurotransmitter system, and AD highlight the potential of this intervention as a therapeutic approach for AD.

Ozone pollution, oxidative stress, synaptic plasticity, and neurodegeneration

INTRODUCTION

Overpopulation and industrial growth result in an increase in air pollution, mainly due to suspended particulate matter and the formation of ozone. Repeated exposure to low doses of ozone, such as on a day with high air pollution levels, results in a state of chronic oxidative stress, causing the loss of dendritic spines, alterations in cerebral plasticity and in learning and memory mechanisms, and neuronal death and a loss of brain repair capacity. This has a direct impact on human health, increasing the incidence of chronic and degenerative diseases.

DEVELOPMENT

We performed a search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for original articles and reviews published between 2000 and 2018 and addressing the main consequences of ozone exposure on synaptic plasticity, information processing in cognitive processes, and the alterations that may lead to the development of neurodegenerative diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

This review describes one of the pathophysiological mechanisms of the effect of repeated exposure to low doses of ozone, which causes loss of synaptic plasticity by producing a state of chronic oxidative stress. This brain function is key to both information processing and the generation of structural changes in neuronal populations. We also address the effect of chronic ozone exposure on brain tissue and the close relationship between ozone pollution and the appearance and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Challenges and approaches of drugs such as Memantine, Donepezil, Rivastigmine and Aducanumab in the treatment, control and management of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a kinds of neuropsychiatric illnesses that affect the central nervous system. In this disease, the accumulation of amyloid-beta increases, and phosphorylated tau (P-tau) protein, one of the ways to treat this disease is to reduce the accumulation of amyloid-beta. Various studies have demonstrated that pharmacological approaches have considerable effects in the treatment of AD, despite the side effects and challenges. Cholinesterase inhibitors and the NMDA receptor antagonist memantine are presently authorized therapies for AD. Memantine and Donepezil are the most common drugs for the prevention and therapy of AD with mechanisms such as lessened β-amyloid plaque, effect on N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Diminution glutamate and elevated acetylcholine are some of the influences of medications administrated to treat AD, and drugs can also play a role in slowing the progression of cognitive and memory impairment. A new pharmacological approach and strategy is required to control the future of AD. This review appraises the effects of memantine, donepezil, rivastigmine, and aducanumab in clinical trials, in vitro and animal model studies that have explored how these drugs versus AD development and also discuss possible mechanisms of influence on the brain. Research in clinical trials has substantial findings that support the role of these medications in AD treatment and ameliorate the safety and efficacy of AD therapy, although more clinical trials are required to prove their effectiveness.

Oxidative distress in aging and age-related diseases: Spatiotemporal dysregulation of protein oxidation and degradation

The concept of oxidative distress had arisen from the assessment of cellular response to high concentrations of reactive species that result from an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants and cause biomolecular damage. The intracellular distribution and flux of reactive species dramatically change in time and space contributing to the remodeling of the redox landscape and sensitivity of protein residues to oxidants. Here, we hypothesize that compromised spatiotemporal control of generation, conversions, and removal of reactive species underlies protein damage and dysfunction of protein degradation machineries. This leads to the accumulation of oxidatively damaged proteins resulted in an age-dependent decline in the organismal adaptability to oxidative stress. We highlight recent data obtained with the use of various cell cultures, animal models, and patients on irreversible and non-repairable oxidation of key redox-sensitive residues. Multiple reaction products include peptidyl hydroperoxides, alcohols, carbonyls, and carbamoyl moieties as well as Tyr-Tyr, Trp-Tyr, Trp-Trp, Tyr-Cys, His-Lys, His-Arg, and Tyr-Lys cross-links. These lead to protein fragmentation, misfolding, covalent cross-linking, oligomerization, aggregation, and ultimately, causing impaired protein function and turnover. 20S proteasome and autophagy-lysosome pathways are two major types of machinery for the degradation and elimination of oxidatively damaged proteins. Spatiotemporal dysregulation of these pathways under oxidative distress conditions is implicated in aging and age-related disorders such as neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Future investigations in this field allow the discovery of new drugs to target components of dysregulated cell signaling and protein degradation machinery to combat aging and age-related chronic diseases.

Ozone pollution, oxidative stress, synaptic plasticity, and neurodegeneration

INTRODUCTION

Overpopulation and industrial growth result in an increase in air pollution, mainly due to suspended particulate matter and the formation of ozone. Repeated exposure to low doses of ozone, such as on a day with high air pollution levels, results in a state of chronic oxidative stress, causing the loss of dendritic spines, alterations in cerebral plasticity and in learning and memory mechanisms, and neuronal death and a loss of brain repair capacity. This has a direct impact on human health, increasing the incidence of chronic and degenerative diseases.

DEVELOPMENT

We performed a search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for original articles and reviews published between 2000 and 2018 and addressing the main consequences of ozone exposure on synaptic plasticity, information processing in cognitive processes, and the alterations that may lead to the development of neurodegenerative diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

This review describes one of the pathophysiological mechanisms of the effect of repeated exposure to low doses of ozone, which causes loss of synaptic plasticity by producing a state of chronic oxidative stress. This brain function is key to both information processing and the generation of structural changes in neuronal populations. We also address the effect of chronic ozone exposure on brain tissue and the close relationship between ozone pollution and the appearance and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Mild Cognitive Impairment and Donepezil Impact Mitochondrial Respiratory Capacity in Skeletal Muscle

Alzheimer's Disease (ad) associates with insulin resistance and low aerobic capacity, suggestive of impaired skeletal muscle mitochondrial function. However, this has not been directly measured in AD. This study ( n  = 50) compared muscle mitochondrial respiratory function and gene expression profiling in cognitively healthy older adults (CH; n = 24) to 26 individuals in the earliest phase of ad-related cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n  = 11) or MCI taking the ad medication donepezil (MCI + med; n  = 15). Mitochondrial respiratory kinetics were measured in permeabilized muscle fibers from muscle biopsies of the vastus lateralis. Untreated MCI exhibited lower lipid-stimulated skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration (State 3, ADP-stimulated) than both CH ( P = .043) and MCI + med (P = .007) groups. MCI also exhibited poorer mitochondrial coupling control compared to CH (P = .014). RNA sequencing of skeletal muscle revealed unique differences in mitochondrial function and metabolism genes based on both MCI status (CH vs MCI) and medication treatment (MCI vs MCI + med). MCI + med modified over 600 skeletal muscle genes compared to MCI suggesting donepezil powerfully impacts the transcriptional profile of muscle. Overall, skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration is altered in untreated MCI but normalized in donepezil-treated MCI participants while leak control is impaired regardless of medication status. These results provide evidence that mitochondrial changes occur in the early stages of AD, but are influenced by a common ad medicine. Further study of mitochondrial bioenergetics and the influence of transcriptional regulation in early ad is warranted.

Protein oxidation - Formation mechanisms, detection and relevance as biomarkers in human diseases

Generation of reactive oxygen species and related oxidants is an inevitable consequence of life. Proteins are major targets for oxidation reactions, because of their rapid reaction rates with oxidants and their high abundance in cells, extracellular tissues, and body fluids. Additionally, oxidative stress is able to degrade lipids and carbohydrates to highly reactive intermediates, which eventually attack proteins at various functional sites. Consequently, a wide variety of distinct posttranslational protein modifications is formed by protein oxidation, glycoxidation, and lipoxidation. Reversible modifications are relevant in physiological processes and constitute signaling mechanisms ("redox signaling"), while non-reversible modifications may contribute to pathological situations and several diseases. A rising number of publications provide evidence for their involvement in the onset and progression of diseases as well as aging processes. Certain protein oxidation products are chemically stable and formed in large quantity, which makes them promising candidates to become biomarkers of oxidative damage. Moreover, progress in the development of detection and quantification methods facilitates analysis time and effort and contributes to their future applicability in clinical routine. The present review outlines the most important classes and selected examples of oxidative protein modifications, elucidates the chemistry beyond their formation and discusses available methods for detection and analysis. Furthermore, the relevance and potential of protein modifications as biomarkers in the context of disease and aging is summarized.

Single Administration of the T-Type Calcium Channel Enhancer SAK3 Reduces Oxidative Stress and Improves Cognition in Olfactory Bulbectomized Mice

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), characterized by cognitive impairments, is considered to be one of the most widespread chronic neurodegenerative diseases worldwide. We recently introduced a novel therapeutic agent for AD treatment, the T-type calcium channel enhancer ethyl-8-methyl-2,4-dioxo-2-(piperidin-1-yl)-2H-spiro[cyclopentane-1,3-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin]-2-ene-3-carboxylate (SAK3). SAK3 enhances calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and proteasome activity, thereby promoting amyloid beta degradation in mice with AD. However, the antioxidative effects of SAK3 remain unclear. We investigated the antioxidative effects of SAK3 in olfactory bulbectomized mice (OBX mice), compared with the effects of donepezil as a positive control. As previously reported, single oral administration of both SAK3 (0.5 mg/kg, p.o.) and donepezil (1.0 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly improved cognitive and depressive behaviors in OBX mice. Single oral SAK3 administration markedly reduced 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal and nitrotyrosine protein levels in the hippocampus of OBX mice, which persisted until 1 week after administration. These effects are similar to those observed with donepezil therapy. Increased protein levels of oxidative stress markers were observed in the microglial cells, which were significantly rescued by SAK3 and donepezil. SAK3 could ameliorate oxidative stress in OBX mice, like donepezil, suggesting that the antioxidative effects of SAK3 and donepezil are among the neuroprotective mechanisms in AD pathogenesis.

Effect of Colloidal Aqueous Solution of Fullerene (C60) in the Presence of a P-Glycoprotein Inhibitor (Verapamil) on Spatial Memory and Hippocampal Expression of Sirtuin6, SELADIN1, and AQP1 Genes in a Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common types of neurodegenerative diseases which is accompanied by irreversible neuronal damage, learning difficulties, memory impairments, and cognitive disorders. The cholinergic system is destroyed during AD pathogenesis, leading to the major symptoms of the disease. Although in severe stages AD is life threatening, to date no absolute treatment has been found for this illness and some palliative options are available. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of fullerene (C60) aqueous suspension (FAS) on improving spatial memory in amnesic male Wistar rats (weighing 200 ± 20 g) and to further compare the results with that of donepezil (DNPZL) as a standard drug. FAS was prepared via a solvent exchange method. The particle size was in the 119.14 ± 3.38 nm range with polydispersity index of 0.15 ± 0.02 and zeta potential of -12.22 ± 5.98 mV. A simple and high sensitive reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed to identify the C60 concentration in FAS (21 μg/mL). Efficiencies of drugs were examined in both pretreatment and post-treatment groups of animals to better understand how they participate in affecting AD symptoms. Seeing that previous studies have presented antithetical declarations about whether C60 is a P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate, we studied FAS effects in both conditions of the presence and absence of a P-gp inhibitor (verapamil HCl, 25 mg/kg). In order to clarify the molecular mechanisms of action of two drugs, their effects on the expression of three principal genes involved in AD, including Sirtuin6, SELADIN1, and AQP1, and as well as their total antioxidant capacities (TACs) were studied. In order to induce memory impairment, scopolamine HBr (SCOP) was administered for 10 days (2 mg/kg/i.p.). FAS and DNPZL administration regimens were 21 μg/mL, BID (i.p.) and 10 mg/kg (p.o.) for 10 days, respectively. Our results introduce FAS as a promising nanoformulation for improving AD symptoms, especially memory impairment, and further assert that more studies are needed to elucidate C60 and P-gp interaction type.

Phenolic Profiles, Antioxidant, and Inhibitory Activities of Kadsura heteroclita (Roxb.) Craib and Kadsura coccinea (Lem.) A.C. Sm

Kadsura spp. in the Schisandraceae family are woody vine plants, which produce edible red fruits that are rich in nutrients and antioxidant activities. Despite their valuable food applications, Kadsura spp. are only able to grow naturally in the forest, and reproduction handled by botanists is still in progress with a very low growth rate. Subsequently, Kadsura spp. were listed as endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) in 2011. Two different Kadsura spp., including Kadsura coccinea (Lem.) A.C. Sm. and Kadsura heteroclita (Roxb.) Craib, are mostly found in northern Thailand. These rare, wild fruits are unrecognizable to outsiders, and there have only been limited investigations into its biological properties. This study, therefore, aimed to comparatively investigate the phenolic profiles, antioxidant activities, and inhibitory activities against the key enzymes involved in diabetes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase) and Alzheimer's disease (acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and beta-secretase 1 (BACE-1)) in different fruit parts (exocarp, mesocarp (edible part), seed, and core) of Kadsura coccinea (Lem.) A.C. Sm. and Kadsura heteroclita (Roxb.) Craib. The results suggested that Kadsura spp. extracts were rich in flavonol (quercetin), flavanone (naringenin), anthocyanidins (cyanidin and delphinidin), and anthocyanins (cyanidin 3-O-glucoside (kuromanin), cyanidin 3-O-galactoside (ideain), cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside (keracyanin), and cyanidin 3,5-di-O-glucoside (cyanin)). These flavonoids were found to be responsible for the high antioxidant activities and key enzyme inhibitions detected in Kadsura spp. extracts. The findings of the present study can support further development of Kadsura spp. as a potential source of phenolics and anti-oxidative agents with health benefits against diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Besides, exocarp and the core of Kadsura spp. exhibited higher phenolic contents, antioxidant activities, and key enzyme inhibitory activities compared to the mesocarp and seeds, respectively. This information can promote the use of fruit parts other than the edible mesocarp for future food applications using Kadsura spp. rather than these being wasted.

The relevance of pathophysiological alterations in redox signaling of 4-hydroxynonenal for pharmacological therapies of major stress-associated diseases

Modern analytical methods combined with the modern concepts of redox signaling revealed 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) as particular growth regulating factor involved in redox signaling under physiological and pathophysiological circumstances. In this review current knowledge of the relevance of 4-HNE as "the second messenger of reactive oxygen species" (ROS) in redox signaling of representative major stress-associated diseases is briefly summarized. The findings presented allow for 4-HNE to be considered not only as second messenger of ROS, but also as one of fundamental factors of the stress- and age-associated diseases. While standard, even modern concepts of molecular medicine and respective therapies in majority of these diseases target mostly the disease-specific symptoms. 4-HNE, especially its protein adducts, might appear to be the bioactive markers that would allow better monitoring of specific pathophysiological processes reflecting their complexity. Eventually that could help development of advanced integrative medicine approach for patients and the diseases they suffer from on the personalized basis implementing biomedical remedies that would optimize beneficial effects of ROS and 4-HNE to prevent the onset and progression of the illness, perhaps even providing the real cure.

DL0410 attenuates oxidative stress and neuroinflammation via BDNF/TrkB/ERK/CREB and Nrf2/HO-1 activation

Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation have been deeply associated with Alzheimer's disease. DL0410 is a novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitor with potential anti-oxidative effects in AD-related animal models, while the specific mechanism has not been fully clarified. In this study, DL0410 was predicted to be related to the modification of cell apoptosis, oxidation-reduction process, inflammatory response and ERK1/ERK2 cascade by in silico target fishing and GO enrichment analysis. Then the possible protective effects of DL0410 were evaluated by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress model and lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation model H₂O₂ decreased the viability of SH-SY5Y cells, induced malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) loss and cell apoptosis, which could be reversed by DL0410 dose-dependently, indicating that DL0410 protected SH-SY5Y cells against H₂O₂-mediated oxidative stress. Western blot analysis showed that DL0410 increased the H₂O₂-triggered down-regulated TrkB, ERK and CREB phosphorylation and the expression of BDNF. In addition, TrkB inhibitor ANA-12, ERK inhibitor SCH772984 and CREB inhibitor 666-15 eliminated the inhibition of DL0410 on MDA accumulation and Δψm loss. Furthermore, DL0410 attenuates inflammatory responses and ROS production in LPS-treated BV2 cells, which is responsible for Nrf2 and HO-1 up-regulation. The present study demonstrates that DL0410 is a potential activator of the BDNF/TrkB/ERK/CREB and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and may be a potential candidate for regulating oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory response in the brain. Together, the results showed that DL0410 is a promising drug candidate for treating AD and possibly other nervous system diseases associated with oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.

Evaluation of the pre-treatment effect of Centella asiatica medicinal plants on long-term potentiation (LTP) in rat model of Alzheimer's disease

The present study was aimed to investigate the pre-treatment effect of Centella asiatica (CeA) extract on long-term potentiation (LTP) in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A total of 32 male Wistar rats weighing 380 ± 30 g were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8). Group 1 (C: Control): the control group. Group 2 (L: Lesion): The nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) of rats' brain was bilaterally destroyed by injection of Ibotenic acid. Group 3 (CeA): Animals in this group received the CeA leaf extract for only a period of six weeks. Group 4 (CeA + L): The NBM of rats was destroyed by Ibotenic acid after six weeks of a diet containing the CeA leaf extract. In all groups, LTP was recorded using the electrophysiological technique and fEPSP after high frequency stimulation (HFS). The results showed that the slope and amplitude of PS as well as the sub-curve level significantly increased in the CeA + L group compared with the L and CeA groups. The CeA extract improved and strengthened the slope, amplitude and sub-curve surface of cumulative waves in animals with NBM lesion. The results showed that administration CeA extract for six weeks before induction of NBM lesion and induction of Alzheimer could enhance memory. In other words, the CeA extract had a preventive or protective role. The present study showed that CeA had a protective role for neurons among rats with NBM lesion.

Novel biomarkers for the evaluation of aging-induced proteinopathies

Proteinopathies are characterized by aging related accumulation of misfolded protein aggregates. Irreversible covalent modifications of aging proteins may significantly affect the native three dimentional conformation of proteins, alter their function and lead to accumulation of misfolded protein as dysfunctional aggregates. Protein misfolding and accumulation of aberrant proteins are known to be associated with aging-induced proteinopathies such as amyloid ß and tau proteins in Alzheimer's disease, α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease and islet amyloid polypeptides in Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Protein oxidation processes such as S-nitrosylation, dityrosine formation and some of the newly elucidated processes such as carbamylation and citrullination recently drew the attention of researchers in the field of Gerontology. Studying over these processes and illuminating their relations between proteinopathies may help to diagnose early and even to treat age related disorders. Therefore, we have chosen to concentrate on aging-induced proteinopathic nature of these novel protein modifications in this review.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in Alzheimer's disease influence Zinc and Copper homeostasis

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common age-related neurodegenerative disease. An altered homeostasis of Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu), as well as a dysregulated expression of Zn-regulatory proteins have been previously described in AD. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI) are commonly used as AD treatment to improve cognitive function, but their effect on Zn homeostasis is still unexplored.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to define the metal dyshomeostasis in AD patients, to investigate AChEI influence on Zn homeostasis and inflammation, and to analyze the relationship between cognitive impairment at two-year follow-up and metal concentrations, considering AChEI use.

METHODS AND RESULTS

84 Healthy Elderly (HE) and 95 AD patients were enrolled (62 AchEI user and 33 AchEI naïve). HE showed similar plasma Zn and Cu concentrations and Cu/Zn ratio in comparison to AChEI users, but significantly higher Zn level, as well as lower Cu amount and Cu/Zn ratio than AChEI naïve patients. Moreover, AChEI users had increased Zn plasma level, reduced Cu amount, Cu/Zn ratio, and IL1β concentration and lower Zip2 lymphocytic expression vs. naïve patients. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that the MMSE score decline after two-year follow-up was reduced by AChEI therapy and was positively associated with plasma Zn decrease over time.

CONCLUSION

Our data revealed that AChEI use may affect peripheral Zn and Cu homeostasis in AD patients, decrease Cu/Zn ratio demonstrating a general reduction of inflammatory status in patients under AChEI treatment. Finally, AChEI influence on circulating Zn could be implicated in the drug-related slowdown of cognitive decline.

Microglial Drug Targets in AD: Opportunities and Challenges in Drug Discovery and Development

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a large and increasing unmet medical need with no disease-modifying treatment currently available. Genetic evidence from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and gene network analysis has clearly revealed a key role of the innate immune system in the brain, of which microglia are the most important element. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes predominantly expressed in microglia have been associated with altered risk of developing AD. Furthermore, microglia-specific pathways are affected on the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression level in post-mortem AD tissue and in mouse models of AD. Together these findings have increased the interest in microglia biology, and numerous scientific reports have proposed microglial molecules and pathways as drug targets for AD. Target identification and validation are generally the first steps in drug discovery. Both target validation and drug lead identification for central nervous system (CNS) targets and diseases entail additional significant obstacles compared to peripheral targets and diseases. This makes CNS drug discovery, even with well-validated targets, challenging. In this article, we will illustrate the special challenges of AD drug discovery by discussing the viability/practicality of possible microglia drug targets including cluster of differentiation 33 (CD33), K_Ca3.1, kynurenines, ionotropic P2 receptor 7 (P2X7), programmed death-1 (PD-1), Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and triggering receptor expressed in myeloid cells 2 (TREM2).

Origin and pathophysiology of protein carbonylation, nitration and chlorination in age-related brain diseases and aging

Non-enzymatic protein modifications occur inevitably in all living systems. Products of such modifications accumulate during aging of cells and organisms and may contribute to their age-related functional deterioration. This review presents the formation of irreversible protein modifications such as carbonylation, nitration and chlorination, modifications by 4-hydroxynonenal, removal of modified proteins and accumulation of these protein modifications during aging of humans and model organisms, and their enhanced accumulation in age-related brain diseases.

Serotonin type 6 receptor antagonist attenuates the impairment of long-term potentiation and memory induced by Abeta

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, characterized by memory impairment and synaptic loss. Long-term potentiation (LTP), a type of synaptic plasticity, is impaired during AD. Serotonin type 6 receptor (5-HT6R) inactivation is proposed as a therapeutic target for AD. This study examined the effects of chronic administration of the 5-HT6R antagonist, SB-258585, on cognitive, memory, and hippocampal plasticity in a rat model of AD. Abeta neurotoxicity was induced in rats using Aβ (1.35 pmol intracerebroventricular [ICV] injection). The following groups were formed: control sustained surgery and saline-treated, Aβ+saline (1 μL ICV for 30 days), and Aβ+SB-258585 (0.024 mg/kg, ICV for 30 days). The learning and memory were tested using the novel object recognition and passive avoidance tests. Next, anesthetized rats were placed in a stereotaxic apparatus. The population spike (PS) amplitude and the slope of the excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) of the LTP were measured following high-frequency stimulation in the dentate gyrus. The Aβ injection reduced step-through latency in the passive avoidance test and decreased the discrimination index in the novel object test. Aβ diminished both the amplitude of hippocampal neuron population spikes and the slope of excitatory postsynaptic potentials, compared to the control group. The administration of SB-258585 in rats receiving Aβ attenuated the Aβ-induced deficits in cognition, memory, and LTP in comparison with the Aβ group. It can be concluded that chronic treatment with SB-258585 antagonist can prevent Aβ-related deficiencies in learning and memory performance by improving neuronal plasticity. SB-258585 can prevent the progression of AD.

Protective Effects of Centella asiatica on Cognitive Deficits Induced by D-gal/AlCl₃ via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress and Attenuation of Acetylcholinesterase Level

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with cholinergic dysfunctions and impaired redox homeostasis. The plant Centella asiatica (CA) is renowned for its nutritional benefits and herbal formulas for promoting health, enhancing cognition, and its neuroprotective effects. The present study aims to investigate the protective role of CA on D-gal/AlCl₃-induced cognitive deficits in rats. The rats were divided into six groups and administered with donepezil 1 mg/kg/day, CA (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg/day) and D-gal 60 mg/kg/day + AlCl₃ 200 mg/kg/day for 10 weeks. The ethology of the rats was evaluated by the Morris water maze test. The levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), phosphorylated tau (P-tau), malondialdehyde (MDA) and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, the ultrastructure of the prefrontal cortex of the rats’ was observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Rats administered with D-gal/AlCl₃ exhibited cognitive deficits, decreased activities of SOD, and marked increase in AChE and MDA levels. Further, prominent alterations in the ultrastructure of the prefrontal cortex were observed. Conversely, co-administration of CA with D-gal/AlCl₃ improved cognitive impairment, decreased AChE levels, attenuated the oxidative stress in hippocampus and cerebral cortex, and prevented ultrastructural alteration of neurons in the prefrontal cortex. Irrespective of the dose of CA administered, the protective effects were comparable to donepezil. In conclusion, this study suggests that CA attenuated the cognitive deficits in rats by restoring cholinergic function, attenuating oxidative stress, and preventing the morphological aberrations.

Effects of porcine brain hydrolysate on impairment of cognitive learning ability in amyloid β(1-40) -infused rats

This study assessed whether administering porcine brain hydrolysate (PBH) ameliorates the impairment of spatial cognition learning ability in amyloid β (Aβ)-infused rats. PBH was prepared using organic solvents (i.e., acetone and ethanol). Enzyme hydrolysates were derived from these PBH and the sequence of the Aβ peptide for infusion was selected. The results indicated the PBH, in particular EP (porcine brain extract with ethanol and protease N), demonstrated the potentials to reduce damage of neurodegenerative disorders in vitro and in vivo. The principal findings of this study indicate that PBH has prolyl endopeptidase inhibitory activity in vitro. Moreover, administering EP to Aβ(1-40)-infused rats significantly improves their performance on reference, spatial performance, and working memory tests during water maze tasks; concurrent proportional decreases are also observed in malondialdehyde levels, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and Aβ accumulation levels in brain tissues. The PBH was suggested to ameliorate learning deficits associated with Alzheimer's disease by inhibition of lipid peroxidation in the brain of Aβ infused rat.

Caloric restriction and redox homeostasis in various regions of aging male rat brain: Is caloric restriction still worth trying even after early-adulthood?: Redox homeostasis and caloric restriction in brain

Despite recent studies have shown that caloric restriction (CR) could improve some functional loss associated with brain aging, the biochemical effects of CR on brain aging are still not well understood on a quantifiable biochemical basis, including whether CR could be protective when started around middle adulthood, when age-related neurodegenerative diseases are thought to set in. Therefore, in the light of more than ever aging societies and increasing neurodegenerative diseases, we aimed to test the biochemical effects of CR on redox homeostasis in different parts of male Sprague-Dawley rat brain by using the biomarkers we consistently validated in our previous work (TOS, PCO, AOPP, AGEs, sRAGE, P-SH, LHPs, 4-HNE, TAS, Cu, Zn-SOD). Our results indicate that oxidative stress biomarkers are lower in CR group, implying a more favorable redox status that has been previously shown to be correlated with better neural function. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: We report that the beneficial effects of caloric restriction (CR) on various brain tissues result in significant improvements in biochemical markers, even though CR is not started in early adulthood. Hence, our select age group provides a sound redox status-related neurochemical understanding for many recent CR studies, where a functional loss was detected at this age.

5-Hydroxytryptamine receptor 6 antagonist, SB258585 exerts neuroprotection in a rat model of Streptozotocin-induced Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive memory decline. It has been suggested that 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 6 (5-HT6R) might be involved in AD pathology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a 5-HT6R antagonist on cognition, learning, memory, and hippocampal apoptosis in an experimental rat model of AD. AD was induced by intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of streptozotocin (STZ; 3 mg/kg, 10 μL, twice). Adult, male rats were divided into the following groups: control, sham, AD (saline treatment, 1 μL icv for 30 days), and AD + SB258585 (5-HT6R antagonist, 1 μg/μL icv for 30 days). Following the treatment period, novel object recognition (NOR) and passive avoidance learning (PAL) tests were conducted to measure cognition, as well as learning and memory, respectively. TUNEL staining was used to evaluate apoptosis in the hippocampus. This study demonstrates that icv STZ injections induce apoptosis in hippocampal cells, decrease the NOR discrimination index, increase the number of trials needed to reach acquisition and the time spent in the dark compartment during PAL, as compared with sham and control groups. Subsequent administration of SB258585 in the STZ treated rats increased the NOR discrimination index, decreased the number of trials till acquisition and the time spent in the dark compartment during PAL, while decreasing neuronal apoptosis, as compared to the untreated AD group. Thus, we conclude that long-term administration of the 5-HT6R antagonist SB258585, ameliorates AD-associated cognitive and behavioral impairments through the suppression of apoptosis in the hippocampus.

Taraxerol as a possible therapeutic agent on memory impairments and Alzheimer's disease: Effects against scopolamine and streptozotocin-induced cognitive dysfunctions

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with cognitive impairment and cholinergic neuronal death, characteristic of the effect of time on biochemical neuronal function. The use of medicinal plants as an alternative form of prevention, or even as a possible treatment of AD, is therefore interesting areas of research, since the standard drugs have many side effects. Taraxerol (TRX) is a triterpene that has been isolated from several plant species, and its various pharmacological properties have already been identified, such the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition activity in vitro. There is a lack of information in literature that confirms the effect of TRX in an animal AD-like model. Seeking to fill this gap in the literature, in the present work we assessed the effect of TRX on AChE activity in the animals' encephalon and hippocampus. We also investigated the effect of TRX (1.77 µM/side, 0.5 μL) isolated from leaves of Eugenia umbelliflora Berg. on aversive memory impairments induced by scopolamine (2 µg/side, 0.5 µL) infused into rat hippocampus, and the effect of TRX (0.89 and 1.77 µM/side, 0.5 μL) on aversive memory impairments induced by streptozotocin (STZ) (2.5 mg/mL, 2.0 µL) infused i.c.v. into mice, using the step-down inhibitory avoidance task. We found that TRX significantly inhibited AChE activity in the animal's hippocampus. Furthermore, TRX significantly improved scopolamine and STZ-induced memory impairment. Taking together, these results confirms its AChE activity inhibition in animals and indicate that TRX has anti-amnesic activity that may hold significant therapeutic value in alleviating certain memory impairments observed in AD.

Flavonoids as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors: Current therapeutic standing and future prospects

BACKGROUND

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a serine hydrolase, is primarily responsible for the termination of signal transmission in the cholinergic system, owing to its outstanding hydrolyzing potential. Its substrate acetylcholine (ACh), is a neurotransmitter of the cholinergic system, with a predominant effect on motor neurons involved in memory formation. So, by decreasing the activity of this enzyme by employment of specific inhibitors, a number of motor neuron disorders such as myasthenia gravis, glaucoma, Lewy body dementia, and Alzheimer's disease, among others, can be treated. However, the current-available AChE inhibitors have several limitations in terms of efficacy, therapeutic range, and safety.

SCOPE AND APPROACH

Primarily due to the non-compliance of current therapies, new, effective and safe inhibitors are being searched for, especially those which act through multiple receptor sites, but do not elicit undesirable effects. In this regard, the evaluation of phytochemicals such as flavonoids, can be a rational approach. The therapeutic potential of flavonoids has already been recognized agaisnt several ailments. This review deals with various plant-derived flavonoids, their preclinical potential as AChE inhibitors, in established assays, possible mechanisms of action, and structural activity relationship (SAR).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Subsequently, a number of plant-derived flavonoids with outstanding efficacy and potency as AChE inhibitors, the mechanistic, their safety profiles, and pharmacokinetic attributes have been discussed. Through derivatization of these reported flavonoids, some limitation in efficacy or pharmacokinetic parameters can be addressed. The selected flavonoids ought to be tested in clinical studies to discover new neuro-therapeutic candidates.

Diverse Effects of an Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor, Donepezil, on Hippocampal Neuronal Death after Pilocarpine-Induced Seizure

Epileptic seizures are short episodes of abnormal brain electrical activity. Many survivors of severe epilepsy display delayed neuronal death and permanent cognitive impairment. Donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and is an effective treatment agent for Alzheimer’s disease. However, the role of donepezil in seizure-induced hippocampal injury remains untested. Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) was induced by intraperitoneal injection of pilocarpine (25 mg/kg). Donepezil (2.5 mg/kg/day) was administered by gavage in three different settings: (1) pretreatment for three days before the seizure; (2) for one week immediately after the seizure; and (3) for three weeks from three weeks after the seizure. We found that donepezil showed mixed effects on seizure-induced brain injury, which were dependent on the treatment schedule. Pretreatment with donepezil aggravated neuronal death, oxidative injury, and microglia activation. Early treatment with donepezil for one week showed neither adverse nor beneficial effects; however, a treatment duration of three weeks starting three weeks after the seizure showed a significant reduction in neuronal death, oxidative injury, and microglia activation. In conclusion, donepezil has therapeutic effects when injected for three weeks after seizure activity subsides. Therefore, the present study suggests that the therapeutic use of donepezil for epilepsy patients requires a well-conceived strategy for administration.

Effects of Huperzin-A on the Beta-amyloid accumulation in the brain and skeletal muscle cells of a rat model for Alzheimer's disease

AIMS

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is characterized by a loss of cognitive function and also the accumulation of β-amyloid peptide (βAP) in the brain parenchyma, which plays an important role in this disease. However, it is often also associated with the non-cognitive symptoms such as loss of muscle function (Inclusion-Body Myositis-IBM).

MAIN METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats (13 weeks-n=68) were randomly assigned into five groups: Group C: Control; Group D: d-galactose; Group O+D: Bilateral oophorectomy+d-galactose; Group O: Bilateral oophorectomy; Group O+D+H: Bilateral oophorectomy+d-galactose+Hup-A. Tissue fixation was performed with the perfusion method. The Compound Muscle Action Potential (CMAP) and mechanical muscle activity were recorded using the standard electro-biophysical techniques. Immune staining was performed with specific antibodies, and the pathological changes were examined. RNA was obtained from brain tissue samples with the Trizol Method. Then, the expression data of mature-miRNAs (rno-miR-9-5p, rno-miR-29a-3p, rno-miR-106a-5p, rno-miR-107 and rno-miR-125a-3p), which may be effective in AD, were taken with Real-Time PCR.

KEY FINDINGS

Impairments occurred in behavioral tests of the rats in the O+D group. βAP accumulation and AChE activity increased significantly in the forebrain in the O+D group compared to the C group. It was seen that Huperzine-A (Hup-A) reduced AChE activity and destructed βAP accumulation. There was a significant decrease in the maximum contractile force at different frequencies in the O+D group and in the O group compared to the C group.

SIGNIFICANCE

It was found that Hup-A contributed to the healing process in rats for damage occurring both in the brain and in the neuro-muscular system.

Evaluation of structure–activity relationships of ginsenosides against amyloid β induced pathological behaviours in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans

The systematic in vivo study comparing the effects of different ginsenosides on Aβ induced toxicity and cognitive impairment.