Title : Combating aluminium chloride-induced alzheimer's in rats: Neuroprotective effects of nelumbo nucifera and bergenia ligulate
Abstract:
Background: Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), are marked by the accumulation of proteins with altered physicochemical properties in the brain and other tissues, leading to progressive neuronal decline. This study explores the therapeutic potential of Nelumbo nucifera (NN) and Bergenia ligulate (BL) in countering aluminium chloride (AlCl3)-induced AD by combining system biology tools with experimental pharmacology.
Methods: An in-vivo evaluation of the anti-Alzheimer effects was conducted using AlCl3 induction in rats, followed by treatment with a combination of NN and BL. Various parameters, including neurobehavioral latency, oxidative stress markers, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and levels of BCL2 and CASP3, were quantified.
Results: The analysis identified 74 targets in the rhizomes of BL and embryos of NN, with BL contributing 72.3% and NN contributing 69.11% of these targets. Molecular docking studies focused on AChE, BCL2, and CASP3 hub genes. AlCl3 treatment initially increased AChE levels, which were subsequently reduced by the combined therapy. Additionally, treatment altered oxidative stress markers, decreasing GSH, SOD, and catalase levels while increasing MDA levels, indicating a reduction in oxidative stress. The treatment also reversed AlCl3-induced apoptosis by upregulating caspase-3 and downregulating BCL2 expression.
Conclusion: The combined therapy of BL and NN demonstrates significant neuroprotective effects against AlCl3-induced neurotoxicity in rats. The integration of network pharmacology and molecular docking provided valuable insights into the mechanisms by which BL and NN may exert their therapeutic effects in AD.
