An Approach to Apply BDNF Targeting Fe₃O₄-Based Nanoparticles as Multifunctional Anti-Alzheimer Agents

To search for novel anti-Alzheimer agents, multifunctional Fe₃O₄-based nanoparticles (FSSIO) is designed and prepared which contain ferulic acid (FA) and Simvastatin linked to the surface of Fe₃O₄ particles. In vitro tests confirmed that FSSIO possessed favorable biocompatibility and a pronounced ability to penetrate blood brain barrier. The FA moiety endowed the particles with remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and effectively protected neuron cells from the toxicity induced by Aβ. Moreover, the Simvastatin pharmacophore assists the particles up-regulate the expression level of BDNF and significantly promotes the expression levels of p-TrkB, p-ERK, p-PI3K and Akt, which consequently leads to the neurite outgrowth via regulating PI3K/ATK and TrkB-mediated signaling pathway. More importantly, in the Morris water maze test, FSSIO shows excellent activity to enhance the learning and memory retention of AD model rats.