Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
Using Enzyme-based Biosensors to Measure Tonic and Phasic Glutamate in Alzheimer's Mouse Models
Published on: May 3, 2017
Chronic administration of troxerutin protects mouse brain against D-galactose-induced impairment of cholinergic
1Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Xuzhou Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
Abstract:
Previous evidence showed that administration of d-galactose (d-gal) increased ROS production and resulted in impairment of cholinergic system. Troxerutin, a natural bioflavonoid, has been reported to have many benefits and medicinal properties. In this study, we evaluated the protective effect of troxerutin against d-gal-induced impairment of cholinergic system, and explored the potential mechanism of its action. Our results displayed that troxerutin administration significantly improved behavioral performance of d-gal-treated mice in step-through test and morris water maze task. One of the potential mechanisms of this action was decreased AGEs, ROS and protein carbonyl levels in the basal forebrain, hippocampus and front cortex of d-gal-treated mice. Furthermore, our results also showed that troxerutin significantly inhibited cholinesterase (AchE) activity, increased the expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha 7 (nAchRalpha7) and enhanced interactions between nAchRalpha7 and either postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) or N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors subunit 1 (NMDAR1) in the basal forebrain, hippocampus and front cortex of d-gal-treated mice, which could help restore impairment of brain function.
Insights
Troxerutin, a natural bioflavonoid, protects against d-galactose-induced brain dysfunction by reducing oxidative stress and improving cholinergic system function. This study demonstrates its potential for cognitive health.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- d-galactose (d-gal) administration increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) and impairs the cholinergic system.
- Troxerutin is a natural bioflavonoid with reported health benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protective effects of troxerutin against d-gal-induced cholinergic system impairment.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms of troxerutin's action.
Main Methods:
- Mice were treated with d-galactose and troxerutin.
- Behavioral tests (step-through and morris water maze) were conducted.
- Levels of AGEs, ROS, protein carbonyls, and cholinesterase (AchE) activity were measured.
- Expression and interactions of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha 7 (nAchRalpha7) with PSD95 and NMDAR1 were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Troxerutin significantly improved behavioral performance in d-gal-treated mice.
- Troxerutin decreased AGEs, ROS, and protein carbonyl levels in brain regions.
- Troxerutin inhibited AchE activity and increased nAchRalpha7 expression.
- Enhanced interactions between nAchRalpha7 and PSD95/NMDAR1 were observed.
Conclusions:
- Troxerutin exhibits protective effects against d-gal-induced cognitive impairment.
- Mechanisms involve reducing oxidative stress, AGEs, and modulating cholinergic and nAchRalpha7 pathways.
- Troxerutin shows potential for restoring brain function affected by d-galactose-induced damage.