Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2025
A Novel In Vitro Live-imaging Assay of Astrocyte-mediated Phagocytosis Using pH Indicator-conjugated Synaptosomes
Published on: February 5, 2018
Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) Extract Prevents Neurodegeneration in the HFD Mouse Model by Modulating Astrocytes and
Giacoma Galizzi1, Irene Deidda1, Antonella Amato2
1Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica (IRIB), CNR, via U. La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy.
Abstract:
Obesity and related metabolic dysfunctions are associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) is a cyanobacterium considered a suitable supplement for its nutritional profile and beneficial properties. The potential neuroprotective effect of an AFA extract, commercialized as KlamExtra®, including the two AFA extracts Klamin® and AphaMax®, in High-Fat Diet (HFD)-fed mice was explored. Three groups of mice were provided with a standard diet (Lean), HFD or HFD supplemented with AFA extract (HFD + AFA) for 28 weeks. Metabolic parameters, brain insulin resistance, expression of apoptosis biomarkers, modulation of astrocytes and microglia activation markers, and Aβ deposition were analyzed and compared in the brains of different groups. AFA extract treatment attenuated HFD-induced neurodegeneration by reducing insulin resistance and loss of neurons. AFA supplementation improved the expression of synaptic proteins and reduced the HFD-induced astrocytes and microglia activation, and Aβ plaques accumulation. Together, these outcomes indicate that regular intake of AFA extract could benefit the metabolic and neuronal dysfunction caused by HFD, decreasing neuroinflammation and promoting Aβ plaques clearance.
Insights
This study shows that Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) extract can protect against high-fat diet-induced neurodegeneration in mice. AFA supplementation reduced brain insulin resistance, neuroinflammation, and amyloid-beta plaque accumulation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Metabolic Health
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Obesity and metabolic dysfunction are linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
- Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) is a nutrient-rich cyanobacterium with potential health benefits.
- AFA extracts, including Klamin® and AphaMax®, are explored for their therapeutic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuroprotective effects of an AFA extract (KlamExtra®) in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity.
- To evaluate the impact of AFA supplementation on metabolic parameters and brain health markers.
Main Methods:
- Mice were fed a standard diet, a high-fat diet (HFD), or HFD supplemented with AFA extract for 28 weeks.
- Analysis included metabolic parameters, brain insulin resistance, apoptosis biomarkers, glial cell activation, and amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition.
- Comparative analysis was performed across the different dietary groups.
Main Results:
- AFA extract treatment attenuated HFD-induced neurodegeneration, reducing insulin resistance and neuronal loss.
- Supplementation with AFA improved synaptic protein expression.
- AFA reduced glial cell activation (astrocytes and microglia) and decreased Aβ plaque accumulation in the brain.
Conclusions:
- Regular intake of AFA extract may offer benefits for metabolic and neuronal dysfunction associated with HFD.
- AFA supplementation demonstrates potential in decreasing neuroinflammation and promoting the clearance of Aβ plaques.
- These findings suggest AFA as a promising supplement for mitigating diet-induced neurodegeneration.
