The objective of
this work is to explore the effect and potential
mechanism of Punicalagin (Pun) in managing Alzheimer’s disease
(AD) based on computer-aided drug technology. The following methods
were used: the intersection genes of Pun and AD were retrieved from
the database and subjected to PPI analysis, GO, and KEGG enrichment
analyses. Preliminary verification was performed by molecular docking,
molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and combined free energy calculation.
The motor coordination and balance ability, anxiety degree, spatial
learning, and memory ability of mice were measured by a rotating rod
fatigue instrument, elevated cross maze, and Y maze, respectively.
The amyloid β protein (Aβ) in the hippocampus was examined
by immunohistochemistry, and the phosphorylation of serine at position
404 of the tau protein (Tau-pS404) was examined by western blot in
the mouse brain. The PPI network of Pun showed that the intersection
genes were closely related and enriched in muscle cell proliferation
and the response to lipopolysaccharide. Results of molecular docking,
MD simulations, and MM-GBSA demonstrated that Pun was closely bound
to the target protein. Pun could improve the cognitive function of
AD mice, as well as reduce Aβ1‑42 deposition
and Tau phosphorylation in the brain (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). It can be concluded that Pun holds great promise
in improving the cognitive function of AD mice. Mechanistically, Pun
potentially acts on ALB, AKT1, SRC, EGFR, CASP3, and IGF-1 targets
and mediates proteoglycan, lipid, and atherosclerosis in cancer, so
as to reduce the accumulation of neurotoxic proteins in the brain.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.