Anthocyanins Promote Learning through Modulation of Synaptic Plasticity Related Proteins in an Animal Model of Ageing

Antioxidants

Alfonsina D’Amato¹  Matthew G. Pontifex²  Michael Müller²  Emily Connell²  David Vauzour²  Laurie T. Butler³  Jeremy P. E. Spencer⁴  Claire M. Williams⁵  Catarina Rendeiro⁶  Tristan Richard⁷  Jean Michel Mérillon⁷  Pierre Waffo-Téguo⁷ 

[1] Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy;Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK;Faculty of Science and Engineering, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK;Molecular Nutrition Group, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AP, UK;School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AL, UK;School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Unité de Recherche Œnologie EA 4577, University of Bordeaux, USC 1366 INRA, Equipe Molécules d’Intérêt Biologique, 210 Chemin de Leysotte, F-33882 Villenave d’Ornon, France;

关键词: flavonoids;    brain;    signalling;    cognition;    neuroprotection;   

DOI  :  10.3390/antiox10081235

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Anthocyanin-rich foods, such as berries, reportedly ameliorate age-related cognitive deficits in both animals and humans. Despite this, investigation into the mechanisms which underpin anthocyanin-mediated learning and memory benefits remains relatively limited. The present study investigates the effects of anthocyanin intake on a spatial working memory paradigm, assessed via the cross-maze apparatus, and relates behavioural test performance to underlying molecular mechanisms. Six-week supplementation with pure anthocyanins (2% w/w), administered throughout the learning phase of the task, improved both spatial and psychomotor performances in aged rats. Behavioural outputs were accompanied by changes in the expression profile of key proteins integral to synaptic function/maintenance, with upregulation of dystrophin, protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) and tyrosine hydroxylase, and downregulation of apoptotic proteins B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-xL) and the phosphorylated rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (p-Raf). Separate immunoblot analysis supported these observations, indicating increased activation of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK1), Akt Ser473, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) Ser2448, activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc/Arg 3.1) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in response to anthocyanin treatment, whilst α-E-catenin, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK1) and p38 protein levels decreased. Together, these findings suggest that purified anthocyanin consumption enhances spatial learning and motor coordination in aged animals and can be attributed to the modulation of key synaptic proteins, which support integrity and maintenance of synaptic function.

【 授权许可】

Unknown