Betula pendula Leaf Extract Targets the Interplay between Brain Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and NFkB Pathways in...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia globally.
• Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are key pathological features of AD.
• Natural compounds are being investigated for their therapeutic potential in AD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of *B. pendula* leaf extract (BPE) on an Alzheimer's disease rat model.
• To evaluate BPE's impact on oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and cognitive behavior in AD.
• To analyze BPE's influence on key protein expressions related to AD pathology.

Main Methods:

• Chemical analysis of BPE identified high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids.
• An Alzheimer's disease model was induced in Wistar rats using Aβ_1-42.
• Rats were treated with BPE, and behavioral tests, oxidative stress markers, inflammation cytokines, and protein expressions (pTau, synaptophysin, NFkB) were assessed.

Main Results:

• BPE treatment significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and neuroinflammation markers (MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2).
• BPE enhanced the brain's antioxidant capacity by modulating antioxidant enzymes (PRx, CAT, SOD).
• BPE administration improved spontaneous alternation behavior and modulated key protein expressions (pTau, synaptophysin, NFkB pathway).

Conclusions:

• B. pendula leaf extract demonstrates significant neuroprotective effects in an Alzheimer's disease rat model.
• BPE ameliorates oxidative stress, reduces neuroinflammation, and improves cognitive deficits associated with AD.
• The findings suggest BPE holds potential as a natural therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's disease.