Neuroprotective Properties of Cardoon Leaves Extracts against Neurodevelopmental Deficits in an In Vitro Model of Rett Syndrome Depend on the Extraction Method and Harvest Time.

This study investigates the bioactive properties of different extracts of cardoon leaves in rescuing neuronal development arrest in an in vitro model of Rett syndrome (RTT). Samples were obtained from plants harvested at different maturity stages and extracted with two different methodologies, namely Naviglio and supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO). While scCO extracts more hydrophobic fractions, the Naviglio method extracts phenolic compounds and less hydrophobic components.

In vitro modeling of dendritic atrophy in Rett syndrome: determinants for phenotypic drug screening in neurodevelopmental disorders.

Dendritic atrophy, defined as the reduction in complexity of the neuronal arborization, is a hallmark of several neurodevelopmental disorders, including Rett Syndrome (RTT). RTT, affecting 1:10,000 girls worldwide, is mainly caused by mutations in the MECP2 gene and has no cure. We describe here an in vitro model of dendritic atrophy in Mecp2 mouse hippocampal primary cultures, suitable for phenotypic drug-screening.