Physical & mental activities enhance the neuroprotective effect of vinpocetine & coenzyme Q10 combination against Alzheimer & bone remodeling in rats.

Background: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive decline of cognitive abilities as well as bone loss. Physical and mental activities maintain cognitive functions as well as increase bone mass by inhibiting bone resorption. VIN and CoQ10 are neuroprotective drugs that possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Aims: To study the effect of PH&M on enhancing the neuroprotective role of VIN and CoQ10 combination during induction of AD model in rats besides their role against bone mass loss associated with AD model.

Main Methods: Six groups of rats were received saline, AlCl, and PH&M daily either alone or with a combination of VIN and CoQ10 for 4 weeks. Various biochemical analyses were performed to evaluate the extent of brain damage such as ACHE, β-secretase, chitinase, Aβ, tau protein, and monoamines besides the inflammatory and antioxidant parameters. Serum levels of minerals as well as 25-OHD, PTH, RANKL, and OPG levels were measured to detect the extent of bone impairment. Also, histopathological changes were evaluated in different brain regions and hind paw.

Key Findings: VIN and CoQ10 combination together with PH&M significantly attenuated the neurodegeneration induced by AlCl administration through the improvement of AD markers in brain tissue as well as oxidant and inflammatory markers. Bone resorption markers, serum minerals, and PTH levels were also normalized too.

Significance: Neuroprotective drugs together with PH&M have a more protective effect against AD and bone loss rather than PH&M alone.