Memophenol(TM) Prevents Amyloid-β Deposition and Attenuates Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in the Brain of an Alzheimer’s Disease Rat

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, and its prevalence rises with age. Inflammation and altered antioxidant systems play essential roles in the genesis of neurodegenerative diseases. In this work, we looked at the effects of Memophenol(TM), a compound rich in polyphenols derived from French grape (Vitis vinifera L.) and wild North American blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium A.) extracts, in a rat model of AD. Methods: For 60 days, the animals were administered with AlCl(3) (100 mg/kg, orally) and D-galactose (60 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), while from day 30, Memophenol(TM) (15 mg/kg) was supplied orally for 30 consecutive days. AlCl(3) accumulates mainly in the hippocampus, the main part of the brain involved in memory and learning. Behavioral tests were performed the day before the sacrifice when brains were collected for analysis. Results: Memophenol(TM) decreased behavioral alterations and hippocampus neuronal degeneration. It also lowered phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau) levels, amyloid precursor protein (APP) overexpression, and β-amyloid (Aβ) buildup. Furthermore, Memophenol(TM) reduced the pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory hippocampus changes caused by AD. Our finding, relevant to AD pathogenesis and therapeutics, suggests that Memophenol(TM), by modulating oxidative and inflammatory pathways and by regulating cellular brain stress response mechanisms, protects against the behavioral and histopathological changes associated with AD.