Curcumin-Loaded Nanocapsules Reverses the Depressant-Like Behavior and Oxidative Stress Induced by β-Amyloid in Mice

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder classically characterized by cognitive functions impairment. However, its symptomatology is complex and the depression is one of the most frequent behavioral changes in AD. AD pathology includes neuroinflammation and oxidative stress resulting in the Aβ protein accumulation. Curcumin is a natural phenolic compound that shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Nevertheless, therapeutic use of curcumin is limited due to its low bioavailability and biodistribution. In this context, the use of curcumin-loaded nanocapsules (NLC C) emerges to overcome its limitations. Thus, the present study investigated the effects of NLC C on the depressant-like behavior and oxidative stress induced by an animal model of AD. For this, Swiss male mice were divided into five groups. The Aβ, Aβ + NLC C and Aβ + Curcumin groups received Aβ_25-35 aggregate (3 nmol/3 μL, i.c.v.). Control and NLC C groups received only vehicle. The NLC C were administered via gavage at a dose of 10 mg/kg in alternate days for 12 days. Our results demonstrated that Aβ infusion induced a depressantant-like behavior observed in the tail suspension and forced swimming tests, which was reversed by NLC C treatment. No change was observed in mice locomotion. Furthermore, NLC C reduced the Aβ-generated oxidative stress in the prefrontal cortex, evidenced by the increase in the reactive species levels, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Importantly, NLC C were more effective than the free curcumin. Thus, we demonstrated the antidepressant-like and antioxidant effects of NLC C in a mouse model of AD, suggesting its therapeutic potential for this disorder.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; Curcumin; Depression; Nanocapsules; Oxidative stress.