مقالات پذیرفته شده در نهمین کنگره بین المللی زیست پزشکی
Neuroprotective Effects of Native Iranian Probiotics on Tau Protein Expression and Oxidative Stress Markers in a Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Neuroprotective Effects of Native Iranian Probiotics on Tau Protein Expression and Oxidative Stress Markers in a Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Zohreh Shadmehr,1Bahareh Pakpour,2,*Maryam Taj Abadi Ebrahimi,3Majid Navaeian,4
1. PhD student in pathogenic microbiology, Department of Biology, Science and Research Unit, Islamic Azad University 2. Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. 3. Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. 4. Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Yadegar-e-Imam Khomeini (RAH) Shahre Rey Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders among the elderly, characterized by cognitive decline and the accumulation of tau and beta-amyloid proteins. Emerging evidence highlights the gut–brain axis as a key modulator of neurological health, where probiotic-induced modulation of the gut microbiota may alleviate AD symptoms by enhancing antioxidant defenses and reducing oxidative stress. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of a native Iranian probiotic mixture comprising Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. paracasei, L. rhamnosus, L. roteri, Bacillus coagulans, and Bifidobacterium longum on tau protein expression and oxidative stress biomarkers (SOD and MDA) in a rat model of AD induced by intrahippocampal beta-amyloid injection.
Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups: control, Alzheimer (Alz), and probiotic-treated (PRB). AD was induced via stereotaxic injection of beta-amyloid into the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Over a 21-day period, the PRB group received daily oral gavage of the probiotic mixture, while the Alz group received distilled water. Behavioral assessment was conducted using the shuttle box test to evaluate learning and memory. Molecular analyses included Western blot for phosphorylated tau (p-Tau) and ELISA for superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels.
Results: Shuttle box results revealed significant improvements in learning and memory in the PRB group compared to the Alz group. Western blot analysis showed a significant reduction in p-Tau expression in the PRB group (P<0.01). ELISA results indicated elevated SOD levels (P<0.001) and reduced MDA concentrations in the PRB group, suggesting enhanced antioxidant activity and reduced oxidative stress following probiotic treatment.
Conclusion: The native Iranian probiotic formulation demonstrated neuroprotective effects in the AD rat model by modulating oxidative stress markers and reducing tau pathology. These findings support the potential of probiotic-based interventions as complementary strategies for improving cognitive function and mitigating neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease.