Zeaxanthin Attenuates the Vicious Circle Between Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Tau Phosphorylation: Involvement of GSK-3ß Activation.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) characterized by neurofibrillary tangles caused by hyperphosphorylated tau is the most common cause of dementia. Zeaxanthin (Zea), derived from fruits and vegetables, may reduce the risk of AD. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) might cause memory impairment in AD. OBJECTIVE: Here, we studied protective role of Zea on the relationship among ERS, activity of glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK-3ß, tau phosphorylated kinase), and p-Tau (Ser 396 and Thr 231). METHODS: The results were obtained in non-RA and RA group by using different treatment, such as 9-cis-retinoic acid (RA), TM (ERS inducer), Zea, 4-PBA (ERS inhibitor), and SB216763 (GSK-3ß inhibitor). The methods included flow cytometry and MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] for the detections of cell cycle and cell viability and western blot as a third measure of proteins in relation to ERS and tau phosphorylation. We have collected and analyzed all the data that suggested application of drugs for the treatment in non-RA and RA group. RESULTS: Zea displays its protection on TM-induced cell injury, upregulation of GRP78 expression, and change of GSK-3ß activity and tau phosphorylation when 4-PBA and SB216763 interfere with the process. CONCLUSION: These studies indicated that Zea is in vicious circle in ERS, GSK-3ß, and tau phosphorylation, and further reflect its potential value in AD.

Magnetic resonance imaging of Alzheimer's disease: from diagnosis to therapeutic evaluation / 中国结合医学杂志

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating late-life dementia that produces progressive loss of memory and mental faculties in elderly people. It is important to identify the earliest evidence of AD and to monitor the development of this disease for us to make positive response to its management. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is powerful to image the tissue or organ without damnification. MRI can be employed to diagnose the early AD development and monitor the key biomarker development in AD. MRI may be helpful not only in diagnosing early AD, but also in evaluating its development. This article reviews the progress of MRI on the diagnosis and detection of AD, and makes comments on its therapeutic application.