Evaluation of possible neuroprotective effects of virgin coconut oil on aluminum‐induced neurotoxicity in an in vitro Alzheimer's disease model

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects various cognitive functions, behavior, and personality. AD is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including exposure to aluminum (Al). Virgin coconut oil (VCO) may have potential as a natural neuroprotectant against AD. Aim of this study was to determine neuroprotective effects of VCO on Al‐induced neurotoxicity in an in vitro AD model. SH‐SY5Y cells were initially cultured in normal growth medium and then differentiated by reducing fetal bovine serum content and adding retinoic acid (RA). Later, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was added along with RA. The differentiation process was completed on the seventh day. Study groups (n = 3) were designed as control group, VCO group, Al group, Al‐VCO group, Alzheimer model (AD) group, AD + Al‐exposed group (AD+Al), AD + VCO applied group (AD + VCO) and AD + Al‐exposed + VCO applied group (AD + Al + VCO). Specific markers of AD (hyperphosphorylated Tau protein, amyloid beta 1–40 peptide, and amyloid precursor protein) were measured in all groups. In addition, oxidative stress parameters (total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidase, protein carbonyl, and reactive oxygen species) and neurotransmitter‐related parameters (dopamine, dopamine transporter acetylcholine, and synuclein alpha levels, acetylcholinesterase activity) were measured comparatively in the study groups. VCO reduced amyloid beta and hyperphosphorylated Tau protein levels in the study groups. In addition, oxidative stress levels decreased, and neurotransmitter parameters improved with VCO. Our study shows that VCO may have potential therapeutic effects in Alzheimer's disease and further experiments are needed to determine its efficacy.

Walnut oil: a promising nutraceutical in reducing oxidative stress and improving cholinergic activity in an in vitro Alzheimer’s disease model

“…The study utilized a modified cell differentiation methodology based on the work of de Medeiros et al., 17 as outlined by Sanajou et al., 2 and Demirel et al. 18 Cells were cultured in a standard growth medium for 24 h and were subsequently induced for differentiation by decreasing the FBS ratio to 1% and introducing RA (10 μM) on the first day after plating. Technical term abbreviations, such as FBS, will always be elaborated upon during their first usage for clarity.…”

Furoic Acid-Capped LaF3:Tb Nanoparticles for Al3+ Detection Based on Aggregation-Induced Luminescence Enhancement

“…Al 3+ ions affect the human nervous system, which leads to diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and breast cancer. Al 3+ also disrupts bone metabolism and erythropoiesis. − The World Health Organization sets the maximum limit for consuming Al 3+ ions as 7 mg/kg of body weight per week or 3.7 μM and 0.2 mg L –1 (or 7.4 μM) in drinking water and large water reservoirs, respectively …”