Alzheimer’s Disease
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Most of our research on Alzheimer’s disease is being conducted at SVSU and involves the use of nutraceuticals (such as a mixture of tart cherry extract with À sh and emu oils, as well as different formulations of curcumin), a novel boron-containing compound, and anti-diabetic drugs.
Project 1: Effect of combined tart cherry extract with fish and emu oils for reducing inflammation and amyloid plaques and tangles in two mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease.
Summary:
Neuroinflammation and presence of amyloid beta protein are the key pathologies in Alzheimer’s diseases (AD). As a potent anti-amyloid and anti-inflammatory natural polyphenol, tart cherry extract, in combination with fish and emu oils, are being tested in both the 5xFAD and the 3Tg mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. The effects of these drugs on reducing AD-like neuropathology and memory deficits are being assessed. These experiments are being run in parallel at SVSU and at CMU by Zackary Bowers (left below) and Darren Story (right below).This project is being funded by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.
Project 2: Effect of natural curcumin, solid lipid curcumin particles and different formulations of curcumin on preserving molecular chaperones, autophagy mechanisms, and cognitive abilities in 5xFAD and 3xTg mice models of Alzheimer’s disease.
Summary:
Protein misfolding and their abnormal accumulation of beta amyloid causes neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer disease (AD). Molecular chaperones and autophagy mechanisms play pivotal roles in protein homeostasis. Both these pathways are severely affected in AD. As an anti-amyloid natural polyphenol, curcumin have been shown to preserve molecular chaperones. In this project, we are conducting studies that compare the effects of two different curcumin formulations, along with natural curcumin, on the levels of a molecular chaperones, autophagy pathways and memory abilities in 3xTg and 5xFAD mice models of AD. This study is being conducted by Panchanan Maiti (below).
Project 3: Use of a novel boron formulation for treating the neuropathological and memory deficits in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease.
Summary:
In collaboration with Drs. James Larkin and Denise Flaherty at Eckerd College, we are testing anovel boron formulation for treating plaques and memory deÀ cits in the 5xFAD and 3Tg mouse models of AD. Drs. Larkin and Flaherty have observed that this boron formulation reduced plaque loads and behavioral abnormalities in a worm (C. Elegans) model of AD, so FNI researchers at SVSU are assessing whether these findings can be extended to a mammalian model of AD.
Project 4: Assessment of serum leptin level and endoplasmic reticulum stress biomarkers in the 3xTg mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
Summary:
The aims of this project is to explore the role of endoplasmic reticular stress related neuropathologies and the effect of leptin levels in the 3Tg model of Alzheimer's disease. This project is being conducted by Dilara Rukhsana (below).
Project 5: Effects of anti-diabetic drug on cognitive function in 3xTg mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.
Summary:
This study was designed to investigate the impact of HM15211, a tripeptide incretin analogue, as treatment for memory deficits in the 3Tg mouse model of AD. This project is being conducted by Leela Paladugu (below).
