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This study investigated the possible protective and therapeutic effects of Myrtus communis subsp. communis ethanol extract (MC) in aluminum chloride (AlCl3) and D-galactose (D-Gal) induced Alzheimer's disease in rats. MC was orally given to rats as a protective treatment for 90 days and, in other two groups starting from the 60th day MC (100-200 mg/kg) was administered, concomitantly with AlCl3 and D-Gal. Learning and memory functions were evaluated by the behavioral tests. Biological activities of MC treatment were examined in hippocampal tissues by ELISA tests. D-Gal and AlCl3-treated rats showed increased amyloid beta (Aβ) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8- OHdG) levels, acetylcholinesterase activity and decreased neprilysin, Na+-K+ATPase and SOD levels in parallel with a decrease in Novel Object Recognition Test, Morris Water Maze and Passive Avoidance Test scores. On the other hand, MC administration reversed the behavioral impairments and improved learning and memory. Moreover, MC treatment decreased Aβ and 8-OHdG levels and acetylcholinesterase activity and increased neprilysin levels, Na+-K+ATPase and SOD levels. Our results suggest that MC has beneficial effects on cognitive and neuronal functions through its anticholinesterase and antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease is a challenging disease for patients due to progressive loss of cognition and behavioral disorders. Disruption of cholinergic transmission and neuroinflammation are the most important mechanisms underlying cognitive damage. Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla (BV) has been reported to have various pharmacological effects associated with its rich antioxidant content. In addition, anticholinesterase and antiinflammatory activities of BV have been demonstrated in vitro. The aim of this study is to elucidate the therapeutic effect of BV against cognitive impairment, reduction in cholinergic transmission and neuroinflammation caused by intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of streptozotocin (STZ). STZ was administered bilaterally at a dose of 3 mg/kg via ICV to rats, and BV treatment at a dose of 2 g/kg for 21 days was administered orally to STZ-induced animals. After behavioral tests, AChE activity, TNF-α and IL-1β levels were measured in hippocampus and cortex tissues excised from decapitated animals. Novel object recognition and passive avoidance test showed that the treatment of BV reverted the ICV-STZ induced memory dysfunctions in rats. Furthermore, increased AChE levels in the hippocampal and cortical tissues of STZ-induced rats were significantly reduced with 21 days of BV treatment. In conclusion, these results confirm that STZ administration caused cholinergic hypofunction, neuronal inflammation and cognitive dysfunction in rats, and BV therapy significantly inhibited these changes with its potential neuroprotective activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder causing common health problem with increasing age. Evidences show that the key symptoms of AD are mainly caused by cholinergic system dysfunction which has a role in cognitive disorders. Cholinergic pathways especially muscarinic receptors like M 1 subtype also have a major role in learning, memory, cognitive functions and emotional state. There is no available permanent treatment currently to cure AD or to change its progression. This study was designed to investigate the factors that play important role in pathogenesis of AD and to compare the effects of Galantamine treatment with effects of Myrtus communis treatment. The expression level of M 1 , ACh, BDNF; AChE activity, GSH level, MDA and MPO activity and AChE gene expression were investigated in scopolamine-induced rat model. Results showed that, administration of MC significantly improves the SCOP-induced reduction of latency and object recognition time; increasing BDNF, M 1 and ACh receptor expression levels in the different brain regions. Additionally, MC showed an increased in AChE by enhancing GSH activity and reducing MDA level and MPO activity. In conclusion MC considered as a possible novel therapeutic approach that can be a valuable alternative way in the prevention and treatment of AD. Highlights • Myrtus communis treatment ameliorated short and long term memory in SCOP model. • Myrtus communis possibly be helpful for preventing oxidative stress in brain tissue. • Myrtus communis treatment may be used as effective as the Galantamine. • Myrtus communis treatment reduced acetylcholinesterase activity in brain. • Myrtus communis treatment was ideal in recovering the reduced M 1 and BDNF levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]