2,3,4-Trihydroxybenzophenone Disassembles Amyloid β Aggregates and Ameliorates Synaptic Deficits

Background/Objectives: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder for which no disease-modifying therapy that halts or substantially slows disease progression is currently available. Although antibody therapies targeting amyloid β (Aβ) have recently received FDA approval, their high cost, limited efficacy, and potential adverse effects highlight the need for alternative solutions. Therefore, the development of low-molecular-weight compounds capable of reducing toxic Aβ aggregates is of considerable interest. In this study, we investigated the effects of 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzophenone (THB) on the inhibition and disassembly of Aβ_1-42 aggregates through in vitro and in vivo experiments. Methods: In vitro assays were performed to evaluate the effects of THB on Aβ_1-42 aggregation and fibril disassembly. Cell viability assays and hippocampal slice electrophysiology were conducted to assess neurotoxicity and synaptic function. In vivo effects were examined in Aβ_1-42 aggregate-injected mice and in 5 Familial AD mutations (5XFAD) mice using behavioral, histological, and electrophysiological analyses. Results: THB inhibited Aβ_1-42 aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner and promoted the disassembly of preformed fibrils. THB attenuated Aβ_1-42-induced Neuro2a cell death and restored Aβ_1-42 aggregate-associated long-term potentiation (LTP) deficits in hippocampal slices. In Aβ_1-42 aggregate-injected and 5XFAD mice, THB reduced amyloid pathology and neuroinflammatory markers and improved synaptic function and memory performance. Conclusions: These findings suggest that THB modulates pathogenic Aβ_1-42 assemblies and provides a structural basis for the development of small-molecule modulators of Aβ_1-42 aggregation with potential preventive or disease-modifying applications in AD.