Introduction:
The accumulation of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) decreases cerebral blood flow in elderly
people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and is believed to be the initiator of this disorder. As a traditional Chinese
medicine, Yangxue Qingnao (YXQN) improves cerebral insufficiency and attenuates cognitive impairment,
showing potential against AD. But whether YXQN has the ability to block Aβ self-aggregation is rarely reported.
Objectives:
Here, we investigate the effects of YXQN on Aβ accumulation and its mediated cytotoxicity using a
range of biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based approaches.
Methods:
Thioflavin T assay, transmission electron microscope, and 1H NMR experiments were used to investigate
the effects of YXQN on Aβ fibrogenesis and aggregation. Far-UV CD spectra were acquired to assess the
alteration of YXQN on the conformation of the amyloid protein. Three short Aβ42 peptides (AA 1-16, AA 17-33
and AA 28-42) were designed to analyse the Aβ42 epitope to which YXQN components bind. The effect of
YXQN on Aβ-induced cytotoxicity was investigated through SH-SY5Y cell viability assay.
Results:
We provide evidence showing that YXQN clearly reduces Aβ42 fibrillogenesis and alters its β-sheet
conformation, indicating the inhibition of primary nucleation of amyloid protein. Using the different Aβ short
peptides, residues 17-33 were identified as the target epitope for YXNQ components interacting with Aβ42. Furthermore,
in the SH-SY5Y cell injury model, our data show that high-dose YXQN attenuates amyloid-induced
cytotoxicity approximately 60% and effectively ameliorates cell distortion in morphology.
Conclusion:
Based on these results, YXQN exerts a neuroprotective effect by inhibiting Aβ42 toxic aggregation,
which has the potential to combat AD.
Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of a Novel Peptide Based on Anemonia sulcata BDS-I Toxin as a New KV3.4 Inhibitor Exerting a Neuroprotective Effect Against Amyloid-β Peptide
