Early Preclinical Changes in Hippocampal CREB-Binding Protein Expression in a Mouse Model of Familial Alzheimer's Disease.

The molecular basis of memory loss in Alzheimer's disease (AD), the main cause of senile dementia, is under investigation. In the present study, we have focused on the early hippocampal memory-related changes in APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice, a well-established mouse model of familial AD. It is well known that molecules like cAMP response element binding (CREB) and binding protein (CBP) play a crucial role in memory consolidation.

Anti-inflammatory role of Leptin in glial cells through p38 MAPK pathway inhibition.

Background: In the present work, we studied the modulatory effect of Leptin (Lep) against pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin 1-beta (IL1β) and interferon-gamma (IFNγ), in primary glial cell cultures.

Methods: Glial cultures were treated with pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, 20ng/ml; IL1β, 20ng/ml; IFNγ 20ng/ml). Cells were pre-treated with Lep 500nM, 1h prior to cytokine treatment.

Evaluation of the Role of JNK1 in the Hippocampus in an Experimental Model of Familial Alzheimer's Disease.

c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), which belong to a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, are involved in the regulation of several physiological functions in mammals and act as mediators of apoptosis, obesity, and memory storage in the brain, including the processes of neuronal de- and regeneration. JNK subfamily is encoded by three separate but related genes: jnk1, jnk2, and jnk3, giving rise to at least ten distinct splice variants of the JNK proteins. JNK3 is thought to be a major contributor to neurodegeneration in mammalian brain.

Evaluation of Neuropathological Effects of a High-Fat Diet in a Presymptomatic Alzheimer's Disease Stage in APP/PS1 Mice.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is currently an incurable aging-related neurodegenerative disorder. Recent studies give support to the hypotheses that AD should be considered as a metabolic disease. The present study aimed to explore the relationship between hippocampal neuropathological amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque formation and obesity at an early presymptomatic disease stage (3 months of age).