AS-IV ameliorates neuronal synaptic damage and cognitive deanficits: A
novel therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease
Abstract
Background and Purpose:Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative
disease whose main clinical symptoms are cognitive impairment. Synaptic
dysfunction is currently a widely accepted pathogenic factor for AD, and
this process is closely related to abnormalities in the glutamate
receptor /cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding
protein (NMDAR/CREB) signaling pathway is closely related. The purpose
of this study was to identify a new drug for AD treatment. Experimental
Approach: PC12 cells, primary neuron model and APPswe/PSEN1dE9(APP/PS1)
transgenic mouse model were studied using Aβ1-42 oligomer intervention.
Combined with the treatment of AS-IV and NMDAR inhibitors, RT-qPCR,
Western-blotting, immunofluorescence and behavioral analysis were
performed to explore the pharmacological action and possible mechanism
of AS-IV. Key Results: AS-IV significantly improved synaptic damage in
AD models and up-regulated the expression of NMDAR (NR1, NR2A, NR2B),
CaMKs (CaMKII, CaMKIV), CREB and BDNF. Ultimately, learning, memory, and
cognitive impairments in APP/PS1 mice were improved. Inhibition of NMDAR
expression significantly attenuated the related protective function of
AS-IV. Conclusion and Implications: AS-IV effectively exerts its anti-AD
function by activating the NMDAR /CREB signaling pathway. This could
help in the development of drugs to treat AD.