preprints.org > biology and life sciences > neuroscience and neurology > doi: 10.20944/preprints202306.1200.v1

Preprint Brief Report Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Version 1 : Received: 16 June 2023 / Approved: 16 June 2023 / Online: 16 June 2023 (08:55:50 CEST)

Strong evidence indicates that insulin resistance contributes to the development of Alzheimer´s disease by promoting inflammation, oxidative stress, and blood vessel damage. Conversely, neuroinflammation induces insulin resistance by targeting insulin signaling molecules: the insulin receptor substrates 1 and 2 (IRS1/2). In addition, neuroinflammation is strongly linked to reduced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. BDNF is a key factor for neuronal survival, and its expression is compromised in neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we show that, in a triple-transgenic (3xTg) mice model of Alzheimer’s disease, the BDNF and IRS2 but not the IRS1 mRNA expression levels were reduced in the hippocampus, together with higher levels of TNFα, compared with wild-type mice. Subgroups of control and 3xTg mice received short and long treatments of Abscisic Acid (ABA), a phytohormone with anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing capabilities. We found that the short ABA treatment can increase the IRS1 and IRS2 mRNA expression both in wild-type and 3xTg mice, concomitant with reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFα in 3xTg mice. However, earlier, and thus longer treatments are required to rescue the BDNF mRNA levels. Our data strongly confirm that ABA administration is a potential treatment to prevent Alzheimer´s disease, via lowering neuroinflammation, potentially rescuing insulin signaling molecules and BDNF mRNA expression.

hippocampus; Alzheimer’s disease; neuroinflammation; insulin signal; phytohormones; neurotrophic factor; neuroprotector

Biology and Life Sciences, Neuroscience and Neurology

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