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Curcumin Ameliorates Aluminum Nanoparticle‐Induced Cognitive Impairment by Enhancing BDNF‐Akt Signaling in the Mouse Hippocampus

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Aluminum (Al) exposure has been linked to Alzheimer's Disease (AD) pathogenesis. Al nanoparticles (AlNPs) exhibit significantly higher neurotoxicity compared to Al ions. Curcumin, a natural compound with neuroprotective properties, was investigated for its ability to mitigate AlNP-induced cognitive impairment. METHOD: Adult male Swiss mice were administered AlNPs (10 mg/kg, subcutaneous) alone or in combination with curcumin (2.5 or 25 mg/kg, oral) for 10 days. Cognitive function was assessed using the passive avoidance test, while anxiety-like behavior was evaluated using the elevated plus maze. Western blot analysis was employed to evaluate the expression levels of BDNF and phosphorylated Akt in the hippocampus. RESULT: Results demonstrated that AlNP exposure significantly impaired cognitive function in mice, while curcumin treatment, particularly at 25 mg/kg, significantly ameliorated this impairment. AlNP treatment significantly decreased hippocampal BDNF and phosphorylated Akt levels, indicating a downregulation of the BDNF-Akt signaling pathway. Notably, curcumin treatment significantly increased BDNF and phosphorylated Akt levels compared to the AlNP-treated group, suggesting an enhancement of this neuroprotective pathway. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that curcumin exerts neuroprotective effects against AlNP-induced cognitive impairment, potentially through the enhancement of BDNF-Akt signaling in the hippocampus. These results highlight the potential therapeutic implications of curcumin as a natural intervention for mitigating the neurotoxic effects of AlNPs.
DOI: 10.1002/alz70855_097131
Language: English
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,200
OpenAlex ID: W7116897841
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