Facilitating microglial phagocytosis by which Jiawei Xionggui Decoction alleviates cognitive impairment via

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Wen Wen1, Jie Chen1, Junbao Xiang1

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; Institute of Material Medica Integration and Transformation for Brain Disorders, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.

Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines
|August 3, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Jiawei Xionggui Decoction (JWXG) enhances amyloid beta (Aβ) clearance in Alzheimer's disease (AD) by boosting microglial phagocytosis via TREM2-mediated energy metabolic reprogramming (EMR). This treatment improves cognitive function and reduces AD pathology in mice.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Metabolism

Background:

  • Microglial phagocytosis, crucial for amyloid beta (Aβ) clearance in Alzheimer's disease (AD), is an energy-intensive process mediated by Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells 2 (TREM2).
  • Energy metabolic reprogramming (EMR) in microglia, influenced by TREM2, represents a potential therapeutic target for AD-related cognitive impairment.
  • Jiawei Xionggui Decoction (JWXG) has shown promise in improving energy supply and mitigating cognitive deficits in AD models, but its precise mechanism remains elusive.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanism by which JWXG enhances Aβ phagocytosis through TREM2-mediated EMR in microglia.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic effects of JWXG on microglial phagocytosis, EMR, and cognitive function in an AD mouse model.

Main Methods:

  • Microglial phagocytosis was assessed using immunofluorescence staining in vitro and in vivo.
  • EMR levels were quantified via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
  • The TREM2/Akt/mTOR/HIF-1α pathway was analyzed by Western blotting, and TREM2 knockout cells were used for validation. AD mice (APP/PS1) underwent behavioral tests (Morris water maze), and Aβ burden/neuropathology were assessed via ELISA and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Main Results:

  • JWXG treatment significantly enhanced phagocytosis and EMR levels in microglia, effects that were dependent on TREM2 expression.
  • In APP/PS1 mice, JWXG increased TREM2 expression, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, and microglial phagocytosis.
  • JWXG administration led to reduced Aβ burden, neuropathological lesions, and improved cognitive performance in APP/PS1 mice.

Conclusions:

  • JWXG promotes TREM2-induced EMR, thereby enhancing microglial phagocytosis.
  • This enhancement of microglial function by JWXG contributes to the reduction of Aβ deposition and neuropathological damage.
  • JWXG effectively alleviates cognitive deficits in an AD mouse model, highlighting its therapeutic potential.
Keywords:
Akt/mTOR/HIF-1αEnergy metabolic reprogrammingJiawei Xionggui DecoctionMicroglial phagocytosisTriggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2)

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