Mixed Medicinal Mushroom Mycelia Attenuates Alzheimer's Disease Pathologies In Vitro and In Vivo

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Mycology

Background:

• Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves memory loss, amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques, and neuroinflammation.
• Oxidative damage is a key factor in AD pathogenesis.
• Polyphenol-rich fungi are being investigated as natural antioxidants for AD treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the anti-Alzheimer's disease effects of an aqueous extract from mixed medicinal mushroom mycelia (MMMM).
• To investigate MMMM's impact on Aβ aggregation, oxidative stress, and neuronal apoptosis in vitro and in vivo.

Main Methods:

• An in vitro Alzheimer's disease model using PC12 cells treated with Zn2+ and Aβ.
• Assessment of Aβ immunofluorescence, cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis, and antioxidant enzyme activity.
• An in vivo study using 5XFAD mice administered MMMM, followed by memory function tests and histologic analyses.

Main Results:

• In vitro: MMMM pretreatment attenuated Aβ immunofluorescence, ROS, and apoptosis, while enhancing cell viability and antioxidant activity.
• In vivo: MMMM administration in 5XFAD mice reduced memory impairment, Aβ plaque accumulation, and neuroinflammation.
• MMMM demonstrated significant neuroprotective effects against Aβ-induced toxicity.

Conclusions:

• Mixed medicinal mushroom mycelia extract (MMMM) shows potential in mitigating Alzheimer's disease-associated memory deficits and neuropathology.
• MMMM may counteract AD pathologies by inhibiting Aβ-induced neurotoxicity, reducing oxidative stress, and suppressing neuroinflammation.