Protective effects of the Sophorae Fructus on cognitive impairment and neuroinflammatory alteration in an Aβ_1-42-infused Alzheimer’s disease mouse model

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a common cause of neuropsychological impairment, is characterized by the deposition of a neurotoxic and fibrillogenic form of the β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide, Aβ_1–42. The present study showed the therapeutic efficacy of Sophorae Fructu (KH034) on Aβ_1–42-infused memory dysfunction in mice. KH034 treatment significantly recuperated deficit in learning and memory of the Aβ_1–42 –infused mice, as determined by Y-maze and Morris water maze test. Through biochemical analysis test, we suggested that KH034 treatment ameliorated Aβ accumulation and neuronal cell death in the cortex and hippocampus of the mice brain. Furthermore, KH034 treatment enhanced neuron-specific nuclear protein (NeuN) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Moreover, KH034 treatment activated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in the hippocampus. Thus, KH034 treatment inhibited the activity of proteins associated with neurodegeneration in AD through its anti-amyloidogenic, anti-inflammatory and pro-survival effect. These results suggest that KH034 treatment improves cognitive function and inhibits amyloidogenesis by the prevention of neuroinflammation in Aβ_1–42 –infused mice. Therefore, KH034 may be useful in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.