Oxymatrine-mediated prevention of amyloid & beta;-peptide-induced apoptosis on Alzheimer's model PC12 cells: in vitro cell culture studies and in vivo cognitive assessment in rats

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major neurological disease affecting elderly individuals worldwide. Existing drugs only reduce the symptoms of the disease without addressing the underlying causes. Commonly, A & beta;25-35 peptide aggregation is the main reason for AD development. Recently, the discovery of multiple protein-targeting molecules has provided a new strategy for treating AD. This study demonstrates the neuroprotective potential of oxymatrine against multiple mechanisms, such as acetylcholinesterase, mitochondrial damage, and & beta;-amyloid-induced cell toxicity. The in vitro cell culture studies showed that oxymatrine possesses significant potential to inhibit acetylcholine esterase and promotes antioxidant, antiapoptotic effects while preventing A & beta;25-35 peptide aggregation in PC12 cells. Furthermore, oxymatrine protects PC12 cells against A & beta;25-35-induced cytotoxicity and down-regulates the reactive oxygen species generation. The in vivo acute toxicological studies confirm the safety of oxymatrine without causing organ damage or death in animals. Overall, this study provided evidence that oxymatrine is an efficient neuroprotective agent, with a potential to be a multifunctional drug for Alzheimer's disease treatment. These findings present a reliable and synergistic approach for treating AD.

Automated summary

Alzheimer's disease is a global neurological disease that affects the elderly. Current drugs only alleviate symptoms without targeting the underlying causes. Aβ25-35 peptide aggregation is a common mechanism for AD development. Recent research has discovered oxymatrine, a potential neuroprotective agent that inhibits acetylcholinesterase, protects against mitochondrial damage, and prevents Aβ25-35 peptide aggregation. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown the efficacy and safety of oxymatrine, making it a promising multifunctional drug for treating Alzheimer's disease.