Alzheimer's Disease: Investigating the neuroprotective role of Polyunsaturated fatty acids against β-Amyloid accumulation using SH-SY5Y cell models

Ali, Ramsha

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia characterised by cognitive impairments such as memory loss as well as behavioural symptoms like depression and aggression. The hallmark of the disease is the accumulation of beta-Amyloid (Aβ) as well as the presence of neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) caused by the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein. Current treatment methods target the symptoms experienced in AD rather than the degeneration itself, this research was conducted to find a method that could have the potential to slow down the progression of the disease. It is well known that Omega-3 plays a vital role in brain health, specifically DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) which expresses neuroprotective properties. SHSY5Y cells were used to model AD neurones, they were treated with various concentrations of different polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including DHA. Cell viability, as well as the volume of Aβ, was measured and compared against control cells (native) to display the potential for PUFAs to be used as a viable treatment method for AD. It was found that cells treated with DHA concentrations of 1μM and 10μM showed a significant increase in cell viability as well as a decrease in levels of Aβ42 accumulation compared to the control and other PUFA treatment groups.

Citation

Ali, R. (2023). Alzheimer's Disease: Investigating the neuroprotective role of Polyunsaturated fatty acids against β-Amyloid accumulation using SH-SY5Y cell models. (Thesis). Keele University

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jul 31, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 31, 2023
• Award Date: 2023-07