Effect of SNEDDS Loading Pentagamavunon-0 on Memory Impairment and Neurogenesis in Mice with Monosodium Glutamate-Induced Alzheimer’s Disease-Like Symptoms

Abstract

ABSTRACTPentagamavunon-0 (PGV-0), a curcumin analog, has antioxidant and HDAC2 inhibitory properties. It affects neurogenesis and cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Targeting neurogenesis is a strategy currently being developed for AD treatment. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems loaded with PGV-0 (SNEDDS PGV-0) on spatial learning, memory impairment, and gene expression-related neurogenesis in mice with monosodium glutamate (MSG) induced AD-like symptoms. MSG 4 g/kg was injected (sc.) into 4-week-old Balb/C mice seven times every alternate day, followed by treatment for 60 days with CMC-Na 0.5%, PGV-0 suspension, SNEDDS PGV-0, and donepezil-HCl. The open-field test, novel object recognition, and 8-radial arm maze test were employed to assess the neurobehavioral performance of mice. Neurogenesis-related gene expression (dcx, nestin, Hes5, and NFIA) was quantified through qPCR analysis. Spatial learning and memory in mice declined with MSG treatment. SNEDDS PGV-0 effectively alleviates mice’s cognitive and memory deficits, as shown in improvements in behavioral parameters, including the Discrimination Index, Recognition Index, and Memory Score. It also restores mRNA expression of several essential neurogenesis-related genes, including dcx, Hes5, and NFIA. SNEDDS PGV-0 demonstrates promising potential as a neurogenesis promoter, making it a viable drug candidate for AD or other neurodegenerative pathologies.