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Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive brain disorder characterized by extracellular beta amyloid (Aβ) plaques, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles formed by hyperphosphorylated Tau protein and neuroinflammation. Since obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been established as risk factors for the development of neurological disorders, anorexigenic and antidiabetic peptides, such as prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) seem to be potential neuroprotective agents. In the first part of the study, the molecular mechanisms of action of natural PrRP31 and its lipidized analog palm11 -PrRP31 was studied in the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y. Both compounds significantly activated the signaling pathways typical for insulin promoting cell survival and growth. Moreover, PrRP31 and palm11 -PrRP31 increased cell viability and suppressed apoptosis in methylglyoxal-stressed SH-SY5Y cells. The second part of the thesis was focused on the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of 2-month-long subcutaneous administration of palm11 -PrRP31 in the brains of APP/PS1 mice, model of Aβ pathology. Palm11 -PrRP31 significantly reduced the Aβ plaque load and microgliosis in the hippocampi, cortices, and cerebella. Furthermore, palm11 -PrRP31 increased the synaptogenesis and attenuated...