Ponicidin attenuates Aβ_1-42-induced hippocampal cell injury through SIRT1 and PI3K/Akt pathways

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation that leads to synaptic dysfunction and neuronal death. Ponicidin, a natural diterpenoid, possesses anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. However, its potential effects on Aβ-induced neurotoxicity remain unclear. This study investigated whether ponicidin ameliorates Aβ_1-42-induced hippocampal neuronal injury by modulating SIRT1 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.

HT22 cells were exposed to Aβ_1-42 to establish an in vitro AD model, followed by treatment with ponicidin. Cell viability, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses were assessed using MTT assay, flow cytometry, ROS detection, and ELISA. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were performed to evaluate the expression of SIRT1, the components of the PI3K/Akt pathway, and neuroinflammation.

Ponicidin significantly attenuated Aβ_1-42-induced cytotoxicity, reduced oxidative stress, and suppressed apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine release. Mechanistically, ponicidin upregulated SIRT1 expression and activated PI3K/Akt pathway. The protective effects of ponicidin were reversed by the PI3K/Akt inhibitor EX-527, confirming the involvement of this pathway.

These findings suggest that ponicidin exerts neuroprotective effects against Aβ_1-42-induced hippocampal injury by enhancing SIRT1 and activating PI3K/Akt signaling, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for AD.