Lipid rafts participate in aberrant degradative autophagic-lysosomal pathway of amyloid-beta peptide in Alzheimer's disease

Amyloid-beta peptide is the main component of amyloid plaques, which are found in Alzhei- mer＇s disease. The generation and deposition of amyloid-beta is one of the crucial factors for the onset and progression of Alzheimer＇s disease. Lipid rafts are glycolipid-rich liquid domains of the plasma membrane, where certain types of protein tend to aggregate and intercalate. Lipid rafts are involved in the generation of amyloid-beta oligomers and the formation of amyloid-beta peptides. In this paper, we review the mechanism by which lipid rafts disturb the aberrant deg- radative autophagic-lysosomal pathway of amyloid-beta, which plays an important role in the pathological process of Alzheimer＇s disease. Moreover, we describe this mechanism from the view of the Two-system Theory of fasciology and thus, suggest that lipid rafts may be a new target of Alzheimer＇s disease treatment.

Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid reduces neuronal apoptosis induced by amyloid beta-peptide (25-35)

Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid might attenuate learning/memory impairment and neuronal loss in rats induced by amyloid beta-peptide. This study aimed to explore the effects of Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid on amyloid beta-peptide-induced neuronal apoptosis and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in the rat hippocampus. Male Wistar rats were given intragastric administration of Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid, 50 or 100 mg/kg, once per day. On day 8 after administration, 10 pg amyloid beta-peptide （25-35） was injected into the bilateral hippocampus of rats to induce neuronal apoptosis. On day 20, hippocampal tissue was harvested and probed with the terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotin-16-dUTP nick-end labeling assay. Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid at 50 and 100 mg/kg reduced neuronal apoptosis induced by amyloid beta-peptide （25-35） in the rat hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry and western blot assay revealed that expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax, cytochrome c and caspase-3 was significantly diminished by 50 and 100 mg/kg Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid, while expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was increased. Moreover, 100 mg/kg Scutellana baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid had a more dramatic effect than the lower dosage. These experimental findings indicate that Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid dose-dependently attenuates neuronal apoptosis induced by amyloid beta-peptide in the hippocampus, and it might mediate this by regulating the expression of Bax, cytochrome c, caspase-3 and Bcl-2.

Effects of L-3-n-butylphthalide on caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa-B expression in primary basal forebrain and hippocampal cultures after beta-amyloid peptide 1-42 treatment

BACKGROUND： L-3-n-butylphthalide （L-NBP） can inhibit phosphorylation of tau protein and reduce the neurotoxicity of beta-amyloid peptide 1-42 （Aβ1-42）. OBJECTIVE： To observe the neuroprotective effects of L-NBP on caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa-B （NF- K B） expression in a rat model of Alzheimer＇s disease. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A cell experiment was performed at the Central Laboratory of Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University between January 2008 and August 2008. MATERIALS： L-NBP （purity 〉 98%） was provided by Shijiazhuang Pharma Group NBP Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Aβ1-42, 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazolo-2]-2,5 iphenyltetrazolium bromide （MTT）, and rabbit anti-Caspase-3 polyclonal antibody were provided by Cell Signaling, USA; goat anti-choactase and rabbit anti-NF- kB antibodies were provided by Santa Cruz, USA. METHODS： Primary cultures were generated from rat basal forebrain and hippocampal neurons at 17 or 19 days of gestation. The cells were assigned into five groups： the control group, the Aβ1-42 group （2 μmol/L）, the Aβ1-42 ＋ 0.1 μmol/L L-NBP group, the Aβ1-42 ＋ 1 μ mol/L L-NBP group, and the Aβ1-42 ＋ 10μmol/L L-NBP group. The neurons were treated with Aβ1-42 （2 μmol/L） alone or in combination with L-NBP （0.1, 1, 10 μmol/L） for 48 hours. Cells in the control group were incubated in PBS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Morphologic changes were evaluated using inverted microscopy, viability using the M-I-I- method, and the changes in caspase-3 and NF- k B expression using Western blot. RESULTS： Induction with Aβ1-42 for 48 hours caused cell death and soma atrophy, and increased caspase-3 and NF- K B expression （P 〈 0.05）. L-NBP blocked these changes in cell morphology, decreased caspase-3 and NF- k B expression （P 〈 0.05）, and improved cell viability, especially at the high dose （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： AI3^-42 is toxic to basal forebrain and hippocampal primary neurons; L-NBP protects against this toxicity and inhibits the induction of caspase-3 and NF- K B expression.

Effects of natural cerebrolysin on protective proteins and pro-apoptotic molecules in mesenchymal stem cells following beta-amyloid peptide1-40-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress

BACKGROUND： Studies have demonstrated that β-amyloid peptide （Aβ）, a characteristic pathological product of Alzheimer＇s disease （AD）, results in neuronal endoplasmic reticulum stress （ERS）. However, the mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine against ERS in AD are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE： To measure expression levels of protective proteins （GRP78 and GRP94） of ER molecular partners and pro-apoptotic Caspase-12 ER membrane expression following application of traditional Chinese medicine natural cerebrolysin （NC） to treat Aβ1-40-induced ERS. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A parallel-controlled study was performed at the Institute of Integrated Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University between September 2006 and November 2008. MATERIALS： Sprague Dawley male rats, 6-8 weeks old, were used to harvest tibial and femoral bone marrow. Isolation and purification of mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） were established from the whole bone marrow by removing non-adherent cells in primary and passage cultures. Aβ1-40 was provided by Sigma, USA. NC was provided by Shenzhen Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, China. NC was predominantly composed of Renshen （Radix Ginseng）, Tianma （Rhizoma Gastrodiae）, and Yinxingye （Ginkgo Leaf） in a proportion of 1 ： 2： 2. Following conventional water extraction technology, an extract （1 ： 20） was prepared. Six adult, male, New Zealand rabbits underwent intragastric administration of NC extract （0.976 g/kg per day） for 1 month to prepare NC-positive serum, and the remaining 6 rabbits received intragastric administration of physiological saline to prepare normal blank serum. METHODS： A total of 500 nmol/L Aβ1-40 was used to establish ERS models of primary cultured MSCs. AD cell models were incubated with different doses of NC-positive serum （2.5%, 5%, and 10%）. MSCs treated with normal blank serum served as normal blank controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and fluorescent immunocytochemistry were respectively used to measure mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78, GRP94, and Caspase-12 in MSCs. RESULTS： Following Aβ1-40 exposure, mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78 and GRP94, as well as Caspase-12, significantly increased （P 〈 0.05）, suggesting successful establishment of ERS models. Following NC-positive serum application, mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78 and GRP94 in MSCs significantly increased （P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01）. However, mRNA and protein expression levels of Caspase-12 significantly decreased （P 〈 0.05, or P 〈 0.01） compared with the ERS model group. These effects were dose-dependent. CONCLUSION： NC downregulated Caspase-12 expression and upregulated GRP78 and GRP94 expression in MSCs in a dose-dependent manner under the state of Aβ1-40-induced ERS.

Inhibitory effects of scorpion venom heat-resistant protein on neurotoxicity of exogenous amyloid beta peptide 1-40

BACKGROUND： Studies have shown that scorpion venom heat-resistant protein （SVHRP） exhibits protective effects on primary cultured hippocampal neurons. OBJECTIVE： To determine the effects of SVHRP on astrocyte activity and synaptic density in the hippocampus induced by amyloid β peptide 1-40 （Aβ1-40） neurotoxicity. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： The randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed at the Central Laboratory, the Laboratory of Human Anatomy, and the Laboratory of Physiology, in Dalian Medical University between March 2006 and June 2008. MATERIALS： Aβ1-40 was provided by Biosource, USA; SVHRP was a patented biological product of Dalian Medical University （No. ZL01 1 06166.9）. METHODS： A total of 27 healthy, 2-month-old, male SD rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups： control, Aβ, and SVHRP, with 9 rats in each group. Alzheimer＇s disease was simulated with 10 μg Aβ1-40 bilaterally injected into the hippocampus of the Aβ and SVHRP groups. The control group was injected with 2 μL 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid. One day following model establishment, the SVHRP group received an intraperitoneal injection of 2 μg/100 g SVHRP, while the control group and Aβ group received 0.5 mL/100 g tri-distilled water, once per day, for 10 consecutive days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： At 16 days following model establishment, synaptophysin （p38） expression in CA1-CA4 regions of the rat hippocampus was determined by immunohistochemistry. Glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP） expression surrounding the hippocampal Aβ1-40 injected area was also detected. At 11 days following model establishment, escape latency, swimming time, and distance to target quadrant were measured using the Morris water maze. RESULTS： Compared with the control group, the Aβ group exhibited notably reduced p38 expression （P 〈 0.05） and notably increased GFAP expression in the rat hippocampus （P 〈 0.05）. Water maze results demonstrated that escape latency was prolonged （P 〈 0.05）, and swimming time and distance to the target quadrant were shortened in the Aβ group. Compared with the Aβ group, the SVHRP group exhibited notably increased p38 expression （P 〈 0.05） and notably decreased GFAP expression in the rat hippocampus （P 〈 0.05）. Water maze results demonstrated that escape latency was significantly reduced （P 〈 0.05）, and swimming time and distance to the target quadrant were significantly prolonged. CONCLUSION： SVHRP inhibited exogenous Aβ1-40-induced astrocyte activation and synaptic density decline in the rat hippocampus. Place navigation and spatial searching results showed that SVHRP blocked Aβ1-40-induced impaired learning and memory.

Nasal mucosal inhalation of amyloid-beta peptide 3–10 defective adenovirus attenuates cytotoxicity induced by beta-amyloid(1–42)

Three-month-old Alzheimer＇s disease model transgenic mice were immunized with Aβ1-42, Plp-Adenovirus [Ad]-X-CMV-（Aβ3-10）lo-CpG [AdCpG-（Aβ3-10）1] or AdCpG virus fluid via na- sal mucosal inhalation, respectively. ELISA analysis of serum showed Aβ42 antibody titers were significantly increased in mice immunized with Aβ1-42 and AdCpG-（Aβ3-10）10. Concanavalin A and AdCpG-（Aβ3-10）10 stimulation significantly increased the number of proliferating spleen cells cultured from AdCpG（Aβ3-10）Io and Aβ42 groups compared with the control group. In the AdCp- G（Aβ3-10）10 group, levels of interleukin （IL）-4 and IL-10 were increased, while those of IL-2 and interferon-y were decreased. In the A[342 group, levels of IL-4, IL-10, IL-2 and interferon-y were all increased. Experimental findings indicate that AdCpG-（Aβ3-10）10 vaccine can produce strong T helper 2 （Th2） humoral immune responses in addition to the production of Aβ42 antibody. The cellular immunologic response was weak and avoided Aβ1-42-mediated cytotoxicity.

Amyloid beta peptides, tau protein acetylation and therapeutic strategies for treating Alzheimer’s disease: a review

Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder.It is often lethal and currently lacks a satisfactory therapy.The disease has a specific neuro-pathological profile:accumulation of proteinaceous deposits in the brain–amyloid plaques(containingβ-amyloid peptides)and neurofibrillary tangles which are accumulation of a profusion of long stringy tangles of proteins called tau.Between the two highly recognized AD hypotheses,amyloid beta(Aβ)peptide aggregation and accumulation play a significant role and are considered as an important mechanism of AD pathology.Aβis a proteolytic product of amyloid precursor protein and genetic studies supported the relevance of Aβin AD pathogenesis.A large number of small molecules were studied for their ability to inhibit Aβ-aggregation in oligomer form or after fibrillization.However,the protein-misfolding process has certain setbacks which are inevitable due to the different morphology of protein.In recent years,it has been demonstrated that tau also plays a central role in pathogenesis of this disease.Moreover,abnormal post-translational modifications of tau,in particular,increases in acetylation at specific sites likely contribute to the toxicity of tau.Although it is evident that tau with these aberrant post-translational modifications likely facilitates neurodegeneration,the precise cellular mechanisms by which tau compromises neuronal function remain unknown.In addition,much remains to be learned about new interventions that might be developed to prevent or reduce the negative impact of tau posttranslational modifications-related damage.This review article addresses the key roles of amyloid beta and tau protein in AD as well as the possible therapeutic agents that can reduce the toxic levels of both the proteins,and thus providing beneficial effect for the AD patients.

Role of Notch-1 signaling pathway in PC12 cell apoptosis induced by amyloid beta-peptide(25–35)

Recent studies have demonstrated that Notch-1 expression is increased in the hippocampus of Alzheimer＇s disease patients. We speculate that Notch-1 signaling may be involved in PC12 cell apoptosis induced by amyloid beta-peptide （25-35） （Aβ25-35）. In the present study, PC12 cells were cultured with different doses （0, 0.1, 1.0, 10 and 100 nmol/L） of N-[N-（3,5-Difluorophenacetyl）-L-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester, a Notch-1 signaling pathway inhibitor, for 30 minutes. Then cultured cells were induced with Aβ25-3s for 48 hours. Pretreatment of PC12 cells with high doses of N-[N-（3,5-Difluorophenacetyl）-L-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester （〉 10 nmol/L） prolonged the survival of PC12 cells after Aβ25-35 induction, decreased the expression of apoptosis-related proteins caspase-3, -8, -9, increased the activity of oxidative stress-related superoxide dismutase and catalase, inhibited the production of active oxygen, and reduced nuclear factor kappa B expression. This study indicates that the Notch-1 signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in Aβ25-35-induced PC12 apoptosis.

Anle138b对oAβ_(1-42)诱导大鼠海马神经元线粒体功能损伤的影响

目的探究Anle138b对慢性β淀粉样蛋白(Aβ)诱导的海马神经元线粒体功能损伤的影响。方法取出生24 h以内的SD乳鼠,原代培养海马神经元,待细胞成熟将其分为对照组(不进行任何处理)、oAβ_(1-42)组(100 nmol/L oAβ_(1-42)处理7 d)、oAβ_(1-42)+Anle138b组(100 nmol/L oAβ_(1-42)+100 nmol/L Anle138b共处理7 d)、Anle138b组(100 nmol/L Anle138b处理7 d)。各组处理结束后,应用流式细胞术检测活性氧(ROS)和线粒体膜电位(Δψm)阳性细胞的变化。结果析因设计的方差分析显示,oAβ_(1-42)和Anle138b的主效应明显(F_(oAβ1-42)=14.149、38.209,F_(Anle138b)=1.942、24.871,P<0.01),oAβ_(1-42)和Anle138b之间有交互性作用(F_(交互)=18.425、21.904,P<0.01)。单独效应分析显示,用oAβ_(1-42)处理时,Anle138b的处理效应明显(F=16.483、19.148,P<0.01);不用Anle138b处理时,oAβ_(1-42)的处理效应明显(F=14.149、38.209,P<0.01)。结论Anle138b可以减轻oAβ_(1-42)引起的海马神经元氧化应激和线粒体损伤,抑制oAβ_(1-42)对海马神经元的损伤。

β淀粉样蛋白25-35对BV2细胞TREM2/NF-κB信号通路的影响

目的:探讨不同浓度β-淀粉样蛋白25-35(Aβ25-35)对小胶质细胞髓样细胞触发受体2(TREM2)/核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)信号通路的影响。方法:将BV2细胞随机分为5组,分别加入0、5、10、20、40μmol/L的Aβ25-35,作用24、48 h,镜下观察细胞形态,CCK-8法测定细胞活性,酶联免疫吸附实验(ELISA)测定肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)表达,实时荧光反转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)测定NF-κBp65、TREM2 mRNA表达。结果:显微镜下观察干预48 h后Aβ25-35≥10μmol/L细胞成片死亡,干预24 h后,CCK-8检测显示,不同浓度Aβ25-35干预BV2细胞的存活率均>70%,ELISA和RT-PCR检测显示,Aβ25-3520μmol/L和40μmol/L组促炎因子TNF-α和TREM2 mRNA的表达均明显升高,Aβ25-3520μmol/L的NF-κB p65 mRNA表达明显升高,与对照组相比差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:Aβ25-35浓度20μmol/L作用24 h,能够激活小胶质细胞发生炎症反应,可能与TREM2/NF-κB信号通路的激活有关。

SIRT1 facilitates amyloid beta peptide degradation by upregulating lysosome number in primary astrocytes

Previous studies have shown that sirtuin 1（SIRT1） reduces the production of neuronal amyloid beta（Aβ） and inhibits the inflammatory response of glial cells, thereby generating a neuroprotective effect against Aβ neurotoxicity in animal models of Alzheimer＇s disease. However, the protective effect of SIRT1 on astrocytes is still under investigation. This study established a time point model for the clearance of Aβ in primary astrocytes. Results showed that 12 hours of culture was sufficient for endocytosis of oligomeric Aβ, and 36 hours sufficient for effective degradation. Immunofluorescence demonstrated that Aβ degradation in primary astrocytes relies on lysosome function. Enzymatic agonists or SIRT1 inhibitors were used to stimulate cells over a concentration gradient. Aβ was co-cultured for 36 hours in medium. Western blot assay results under different conditions revealed that SIRT1 relies on its deacetylase activity to promote intracellular Aβ degradation. The experiment further screened SIRT1 using quantitative proteomics to investigate downstream, differentially expressed proteins in the Aβ degradation pathway and selected the ones related to enzyme activity of SIRT1. Most of the differentially expressed proteins detected are close to the primary astrocyte lysosomal pathway. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that SIRT1 relies on its deacetylase activity to upregulate lysosome number in primary astrocytes. Taken together, these findings confirm that SIRT1 relies on its deacetylase activity to upregulate lysosome number, thereby facilitating oligomeric Aβ degradation in primary astrocytes.

Hyperoside protects the blood-brain barrier from neurotoxicity of amyloid beta 1–42

Mounting evidence indicates that amyloid β protein（Aβ） exerts neurotoxicity by disrupting the blood-brain barrier（BBB） in Alzheimer＇s disease. Hyperoside has neuroprotective effects both in vitro and in vivo against Aβ. Our previous study found that hyperoside suppressed Aβ1-42-induced leakage of the BBB, however, the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, bEnd.3 cells were pretreated with 50, 200, or 500 μM hyperoside for 2 hours, and then exposed to Aβ1-42 for 24 hours. Cell viability was determined using 3-（4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl）-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide assay. Flow cytometry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated d UTP nick-end labeling assay were used to analyze cell apoptosis. Western blot assay was carried out to analyze expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome c, caspase-3, caspse-8, caspase-9, caspase-12, occludin, claudin-5, zonula occludens-1, matrix metalloproteinase-2（MMP-2）, and MMP-9. Exposure to Aβ1-42 alone remarkably induced bEnd.3 cell apoptosis; increased ratios of cleaved caspase-9/caspase-9, Bax/Bcl-2, cleav ed caspase-8/caspase-8, and cleaved caspase-12/caspase-12; increased expression of cytochrome c and activity of caspase-3; diminished levels of zonula occludens-1, claudin-5, and occludin; and increased levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9. However, hyperoside pretreatment reversed these changes in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings confirm that hyperoside alleviates fibrillar Aβ1-42-induced BBB disruption, thus offering a feasible therapeutic application in Alzheimer＇s disease.

Protective Effect of Ecdysterone on PC12Cells Cytotoxicity Induced by Beta-amyloid_(25-35)

Objective： To examine the protective effect of ecdysterone （ECR） against beta-amyloid peptide fragment25-35 （Aβ25-35）-induced PC12 cells cytotoxicity, and to further explore its mechanism. Methods： Experimental PC12 cells were divided into the Aβ group （treated by Aβ25-35 100μmol/L）, the blank group （untreated）, the positive control group （treated by Vit E 100 μmol/L after induction） and the ECR treated groups （treated by ECR with different concentrations of 1, 50 and 100 μmol/L）. The damaged and survival condition of PC12 cells in various groups was monitored by lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） release and MTT assay. The content of malondialdehyde （MDA） was measured by fluorometric assay to indicate the lipid peroxidation. And the antioxidant enzymes activities in PC12 cells, including superoxide dismutases（SOD）, catalase （CAT） and glutathione peroxidase（GSH-Px）, were detected respectively. Results： After PC12 cells were treated with Aβ25-35 （100 μmol/L） for 24 hrs, they revealed a great decrease in MTT absorbance and activity of antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, CAT and GSH-Px as well as a significant increase of LDH activity and MDA content in PC12 cells （P〈0.01）. When the cells was pretreated with 1-100 μmol/L ECR for 24 hrs before Aβ25-35 treatment, the above-mentioned cytotoxic effect of Aβ25-35 could be significantly attenuated dose-dependently, for ECR 50 μmol/L, P〈0.05 and for ECR 100 μmol/L, P〈0.01. Moreover, ECR also showed significant inhibition on the Aβ25-35 induced decrease of SOD and GSH-Px activity, but not on that of CAT. Conclusion： ECR could protect PC12 cells from cytotoxicity of Aβ25-35, and the protective mechanism might be related to the increase of SOD and GSH-Px activities and the decrease of MDA resulting from the ECR-pretreatment.

Effects of natural-cerebrolysin-containing serum on neurotoxicity and synaptogenesis in amyloid-beta 1-40-induced Alzheimer's disease in vitro models

BACKGROUND： Neuronal loss, synapse mutilation, and increasing malnourished axons are pathologically related to Alzheimer＇s disease. Microtubule-associated protein 2 （MAP2） is of importance for neuronal, axonal, and dendritic generation, extension, and stabilization, as well as for the regulation of synaptic plasticity. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the antagonistic effects of natural-cerebrolysin-containing serum on beta amyloid protein 1-40 （Aβ1-40）-induced neurotoxicity from the standpoints of cell proliferation, synaptogenesis, and cytoskeleton formation （MAP2 expression）. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A paralleled, controlled, neural cell, and molecular biology experiment was performed at the Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University between February 2006 and April 2008. MATERIALS： PC12 cells, derived from the rat central nervous system, were purchased from Shanghai Institute of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China. A β1-40 was provided by Sigma, USA. Natural-cerebrolysin was provided by Shenzhen Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, China. The natural-cerebrolysin was predominantly composed of Renshen （Radix Ginseng）, Tianma （Rhizoma Gastrodiae）, and Yixingye （Ginkgo Leaf） in a proportion of 1：2：2. Following conventional water extraction technology, an extract （1：20） was prepared. Each gram of extract equaled 20 grams of crude drug. In a total of 12 adult male New Zealand rabbits, six underwent intragastric administration of natural-cerebrolysin extract for 1 month to prepare natural-cerebrolysin-containing serum, and the remaining six rabbits received intragastric administration of physiological saline to prepare normal blank serum. METHODS： An AIzheimer＇s disease in vitro model was induced in PC12 cells using Aβ1-40. The cells were incubated with varying doses of natural-cerebrolysin-containing serum （2.5%, 5%, and 10%）. Normal blank serum-treated PC12 cells served as a blank control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Through the use of inverted phase contrast microscope, cell morphology and neurite growth were observed, neurite length was measured, and the percentage of neurite-positive cells was calculated. Cell proliferation rate was determined by MTT assay, and MAP 2 expression was detected by fluorescent immunocytochemistry. RESULTS： Following Aβ1-40 treatments, some PC12 cells were apoptotic/dying, and only a few short neurites were observed. Following interventions with natural-cerebrolysin-containing serum, the PC12 cells proliferated, there was an increased number of neurites, and neurite length was enhanced. After middle- and high-dose natural-cerebrolysin treatments, the percentage of neurite-positive cells, as well as the average length of neurites, was significantly greater than the normal blank serum-treated PC12 cells （P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01）. Compared with the blank control group, MAP2 expression in the Aβ1-40-treated PC12 cells was significantly inhibited, and the cell proliferation rate was significantly decreased （P 〈 0.01）. Following incubations with natural-cerebrolysin-containing serum, MAP2 expression and cell proliferation rate in the PC12 cells were significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner, compared with treatments with blank control serum （P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01 ）. CONCLUSION： Natural-cerebrolysin exhibited antagonistic effects on neurotoxicity in Aβ1-40 induced Alzheimer＇s disease in vitro models. These effects were likely related to cell proliferation and the upregulation of intracellular MAP2 expression.

2型糖尿病患者血清GLP-1、Aβ1-42、MCP-1水平与认知功能障碍的相关性

目的 探究2型糖尿病(T2DM)患者血清胰高血糖素样肽-1(GLP-1)、β淀粉样蛋白1-42(Aβ1-42)、单核细胞趋化蛋白-1(MCP-1)水平与认知功能障碍的相关性。方法 分析2020年2月至2023年2月期间南京市江宁医院收治的102例T2DM患者的临床资料,根据蒙特利尔认知评估量表(MoCA)评分分为认知功能正常组(n=53)与认知功能障碍组(n=49)。比较两组患者血清GLP-1、Aβ1-42、MCP-1水平,并绘制ROC曲线评估上述指标单一及联合检测对T2DM患者出现认知功能障碍的预测价值。结果 两组GLP-1水平:认知功能正常组>认知功能障碍组,差异具有统计学意义(t=6.738,P<0.05)。两组血清Aβ1-42、MCP-1、FPG、HbA1 c水平:认知功能障碍组>认知功能正常组,差异均有统计学意义(t=6.042、8.255、3.985、2.259,P<0.05)。建立相关性模型,T2DM患者认知功能与GLP-1水平呈正相关(r=0.486,P<0.05),与Aβ1-42、MCP-1水平呈负相关(r=-0.558、0.601,P<0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,GLP-1、Aβ1-42、MCP-1是T2DM患者认知功能障碍的独立影响因素(P<0.05)。ROC曲线显示,GLP-1、Aβ1-42、MCP-1三者联合检测时,预测T2DM患者出现认知功能障碍的AUC为0.990,敏感性、特异性分别为0.910、0.952,优于单一检测(P<0.05)。结论 T2DM认知功能障碍患者血清MCP-1水平明显显著升高,Aβ1-42、GLP-1水平显著降低,三者联合检测可为T2DM患者预防认知功能损害提供重要的参考依据。

Computational Analyses of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA, C22:6, n-3) with Alzheimer’s Disease-Causing Amyloid Peptide Aβ1-42 Reassures Its Therapeutic Utility

The accumulation of amyloid β peptide1-42 (Aβ1-42) masses in the brains of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) patients is associated with neuronal loss and memory deficits. We have previously reported that oral administration of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6, n-3) significantly decreases Aβ burden in the brains of AD model rats and that direct in vitro incubation of DHA with Aβ1-42 curbs the progression of amyloid fibrillation. In the present in silico study, we investigated whether DHA computationally binds with amyloid peptides. The NMR solution structures of Aβ1-42 were downloaded from the Protein Data Bank (PDB IDs: 1Z0Q and 2BEG). The binding of DHA to Aβ peptides was assessed by molecular docking using both a flexible and rigid docking system. Thioflavin T (ThT) was used as positive control. The chemical structures of ThT and DHA were modeled and converted to the PDB format using PRODRUG. Drug-like properties of DHA were evaluated by ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion). DHA was found to successfully dock with Aβ1-42. Computational analyses of the binding of DHA to Aβ1-42, as evaluated by docking studies, further corroborated the inhibitory effect of DHA on in vitro Aβ1-42 fibrillogenesis and might explain the in vivo reduction of amyloid burden observed in the brains of DHA-administered AD model rats demonstrated in our previous study. These computational data suggest the potential utility of DHA as a preventive medication in Aβ-induced neurodegenerative diseases, including AD.

Small Molecular Weight Compounds Antagonistic to Amyloid Peptide_25-35

High levels of the neurotoxic beta-amyloid protein (Aβ) in patients with Alzheimer’s disease present a significant therapeutic target, although the protein is unlikely to be the sole instigator of this condition. Aβ initiates cell receptor and synapse dysfunction, and causes mitochondrial damage within neurons. Neurotransmitters and various small molecular weight compounds ameliorate the effects of Aβ on cell membranes. This study uses a molecular modeling technique to compare the structures of Aβ25-35 and compounds known to antagonize properties of the polypeptide. Compounds provide good fits to the peptide amino acid residues, revealing planarity in their linear structures and fitting points. Compounds and polypeptide share relative molecular similarity, affinity for receptors and apoptosis modulating properties indicative of their potential for competition at neuron membrane sites. The therapeutic targeting of Aβ by small molecular weight compounds may benefit from a multi-drug approach.

Therapeutic Potential of 17<i>β</i>Estradiol with Tachykinin Neuropeptide NKB and A<i>β</i>(25 - 35) on Na⁺- K⁺ATPase Activity in Aging Female Rat Brain

The Na+ - K+ ATPase is an enzyme responsible for the active transport of Na+ and K+ in most eukaryotic cells. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of Tachykinin neuropeptide, Neurokinin B (NKB) and Amyloid beta fragment Aβ (25 - 35) on 17β estradiol (E2) treated aging female rat brain synaptosomes of different age groups, by assaying Na+ - K+ ATPase enzyme activity. An in vitro incubation of isolated synaptosomes with Aβ (25 - 35) showed toxic effects while NKB showed stimulating effect on the Na+ - K+ ATPase activity, and the combined NKB + Aβ (25 - 35) incubations showed a partial effect as compared to the Aβ (25 - 35) alone. To understand whether E2 affects the expression of Na+ - K+ ATPase molecules, we examined the expression of Na+ - K+ ATPase subunit α1 and β2 in E2 treated aging female rat brain synaptosomes. The enzyme was quantified by SDS PAGE in control and E2 treated rat brain. We observed that the expression of α1 and β2 Na+ - K+ ATPase molecules increased and reversed to a normal level in E2 treated synaptosomes. These results confirmed that E2 increased turnover of Na+ - K+ ATPase molecules in aging rat brain. The present findings also suggest a possible role of NKB with E2 in the age related changes in the brain.

Neuroprotective role of 17<i>β</i>estradiol with tachykinin neuropeptide NKB and A<i>β</i>(25 - 35) in aging female rat brain

The brain experiences structural, molecular and functional alterations during aging. In aging brain tissue, the oxidative stress increases due to decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes and increased oxidative stress leading to neurodegeneration associated with excitotoxicity. In the present study, we observed the effect of tachykinin neuropeptide Neurokinin B (NKB) and amyloid beta fragment Aβ (25 -?35) on the activity of Acetylcholine esterase (AChE) and Lipid peroxidation (LPO) in brains of 17β estradiol (E2) treated aging female rat synaptosomes of different age groups. An in-vitro incubation of E2 treated brain synaptosomes with Aβ (25 -?35) showed toxic effects on all the parameters. The treatment of NKB and combined NKB and Aβ (25 -?35) increased the AChE enzyme activity and decreased the level of LPO in E2 treated aging rats. The treatment of NKB and combined NKB and Aβ (25 - 35) in a concentration dependent manner reversed the effects of aging and Aβ (25 -?35) on AChE and LPO. The present finding suggests that E2 along with NKB reverse aging and Aβ (25 -?35) induced toxicity as well as AChE and LPO levels. The results of the current study showed a possible beneficial role of NKB with E2 inthe age related neurological diseases.

Effects of tachykinin neuropeptide NKB and A<i>β</i>(25-35) on antioxidant enzymes status in 17<i>β</i>estradiol treated aging female rats

Aging is the leading risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases and oxidative stress involved in the pathophysiology of these diseases. These changes increase during menopausal condition in females when the level of estradiol is decreased. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of tachykinin neuropeptide, Neurokinin B (NKB) and Amyloid beta fragment Aβ (25 -?35) on 17β estradiol (E2) treated aging female rat synaptosomes of different age groups. Aging brain functions were assayed by measuring the activities of antioxidant enzymes—superoxide dismutase (SOD) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) with neuropeptides. An in-vitro incubation of Aβ (25 -?35) in E2 treated brain synaptosomes showed toxic effects on all the parameters. However, NKB and NKB combined with Aβ (25 35) showed stimulating effects in E2 treated rat brain synaptosomes. In the present study, an increase in activity of SOD and decrease in the level of MAO, in the presence of NKB and combined NKB and Aβ in E2 treated brain synaptosomes of aging rats. This study elucidates that treatment of NKB and Aβ with E2 incombination exerts more protective influence than their individual application, against excitotoxicity in age related changes.