Sushma
Jawaharlal Nehru University, India
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Neurol Neurophysiol
Amyloid-β (Aβ) is a short 40 or 42 amino acid long peptide generated through systematic cleavage from amyloid precursor protein (APP). Due to its hydrophobic nature, has a higher tendency to form β-pleated sheet structure that form aggregates in the brain which is main pathological cause of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD is a late onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of memory, disordered cognitive function and caused by accumulation of Aβ peptide plaque and neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau in neocortex and hippocampal brain area. Molecular pathological cause of AD includes, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and dysregulation of calcium signalling leads to neuronal death. After the decades of research, only few therapeutic drugs are available which intercept the symptoms, besides manifest side effects. Therefore, we tried to explore the effect of natural flavonoid Bacopa monneiri (BM). BM is an herb used as memory enhancer and neuro-protectant. Several studies have shown its anti-oxidant property, anti-cholinesterase property, anti-inflammatory, enhancing neurotrophic factor production like BDNF, enhancing memory and prevention of degeneration of neurons by inhibiting apoptosis. We used aggregated form of Aβ to induce AD related pathological changes in the SHSY-5Y neuroblastoma cells and Wistar rats. In the study, protective effect of BM ethanolic extract was found on the cell viability of SHSY-5Y cells. In addition, BM have shown the ameliorative effect on the memory deficits and anxious symptoms caused by aggregated Aβ in rat model. Further validation of molecular mechanism of action is under study. Key words: Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid-β, Bacopa monnieri.
Sushma is from Jawaharlal Nehru University, India. She has attended many international conferences and published his research in many Journals.
