Evaluation of the Effects of Nano-Oleocanthal on Histopathological Changes and the Expression of APP and PRNP Genes in an Alzheimer's Rat Model

Purpose Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia. Recently, many studies have shown the effect of natural compounds on this disease. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nano-oleocanthal on histopathological changes and expression of APP (amyloid precursor protein gene) and PRNP genes in a rat model of AD. Materials and Methods In this experiment, 28 male rats with an average weight of 250 to 280g were divided into four groups: Healthy sham, Alzheimer's control, Oleocanthal-treatment and Nano-Oleocanthal-treatment groups. After Alzheimer's induction by manganese nano-powder for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day rest period, the two treatment groups were treated intraperitoneally with standardized 30mg concentrations of nano oleocanthal and oleocanthal for one week. After one week treatment and one week rest, brain tissue was isolated. Histopathological changes were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. RNA was extracted by sampling the hippocampus of the mice. The expression of APP and PRNP genes was evaluated using Real-time PCR. Results Behavioral and MRI tests showed Alzheimer's plaques in the hippocampus. Histopathology results also showed a positive effect of nano-oleocanthal treatment on significant increasing APP and PRNP gene expression in mice treated with nano-oleocanthal. Discussion and Conclusion According to the histopathology and gene expression results, nano-oleocanthal can be used for the prevention and target treatment of Alzheimer's with further research.