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Punicalagin Ameliorates Diabetic Cognitive Dysfunction by Inhibiting Neuroinflammation via the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 Axis
Rou Zhang1, Xiuying Tan1, Yuhan Zhang1
1Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Phytotherapy Research : PTR
|November 27, 2025
Summary
Punicalagin, a natural compound, shows promise in treating diabetic cognitive dysfunction by reducing neuroinflammation. It works by activating the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 pathway, improving brain function in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Diabetic cognitive dysfunction is a serious complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) lacking effective treatments.
- Punicalagin, a polyphenol, exhibits neuroprotective properties.
- Neuroinflammation plays a key role in diabetic cognitive dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of punicalagin in ameliorating diabetic cognitive dysfunction.
- To determine if punicalagin's effects are mediated by the inhibition of neuroinflammation.
- To explore the role of the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
Main Methods:
- Established in vivo (high-fat diet + streptozotocin) and in vitro (hyperglycemic conditions) models of T2DM.
- Treated diabetic mice and hyperglycemic cells with punicalagin.
- Assessed cognitive function using the Morris water maze test.
- Investigated molecular mechanisms via western blotting, immunofluorescence, and co-culture systems.
Main Results:
- Punicalagin reduced blood glucose, improved learning and memory, and decreased neuroinflammation in diabetic mice.
- Punicalagin upregulated the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis and the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
- Inhibition of the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis reduced punicalagin's anti-neuroinflammatory effect in BV2 cells.
Conclusions:
- Punicalagin ameliorates cognitive dysfunction and neuronal damage in T2DM by reducing neuroinflammation.
- Activation of the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signaling pathway is a key mechanism.
- Punicalagin represents a potential therapeutic strategy for diabetic cognitive dysfunction.
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