Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) generally refers to impairment in cognition above that which accompanies the normal age-related cognitive decline and has attracted attention in recent years. Trans-cinnamaldehyde (TCA), which is isolated from cinnamon, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Treadmill exercise also has diverse positive effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the combination effects of TCA and treadmill exercise on learning and memory in a cognitive impairment mouse induced by a combination of d-galactose (d-gal) and aluminum chloride (AlCl3). We found that exercise and TCA attenuated cognitive impairment in mice with induced MCI. This effect was further increased by costimulation of exercise and TCA. To clarify the mechanisms of the positive effects of TCA and exercise, we analyzed the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) and related signaling pathways. We found that TCA and exercise upregulated Nrf2, NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone 1 (NQO-1), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD-1); this suggests that TCA and exercise attenuate cognitive dysfunction by reducing oxidative stress. We also found that Nrf2-related signaling pathways, i.e., the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/Nrf2 and SIRT1/PGC-1a/Nrf2-ARE pathways, exerted antioxidant effects. Together, these results suggest that costimulation with TCA and exercise may be a therapeutic candidate for mild cognitive impairment.
Keywords: mild cognitive impairment; trans-cinnamaldehyde; treadmill exercise.