Echinacoside Improves Memory Function and Bone Mineral Density in the Aged SAMP8 Mouse Model
摘要
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and osteoporosis (OP) are prevalent age-related degenerative diseases that often coexist. Echinacoside (ECH) has been extensively studied for its potential to mitigate AD and bone mineral density (BMD) loss. This study aimed to evaluate the simultaneous therapeutic effects of ECH on AD-OP comorbidity using the senescence-accelerated mouse-prone 8 (SAMP8) model, which exhibits both age-related memory deficits and bone metabolism abnormalities. Six-month-old male SAMP8 mice (n = 8–9) were used as the model group, while age-matched senescence-accelerated mouse resistant 1 (SAMR1) mice served as normal controls. SAMP8 mice were administered ECH intragastrically (100 mg/kg/day) for 10 weeks, while control groups received saline. Behavioral tests, including the open field test (OFT), novel object recognition test (NORT), and Morris Water Maze (MWM), assessed locomotor ability, emotionality, and cognitive functions. Bone microstructure was evaluated using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), and pathological changes in the brain were analyzed via Western blotting and immunofluorescence. As compared to SAMR1 mice, SAMP8 mice exhibited significant locomotor activity issues, impaired memory (P < 0.05), glial activation (P < 0.01), reduced trabecular bone number (P = 0.007), and altered trabecular separation (P = 0.040). ECH treatment improved memory function and inhibited glial activation (P < 0.05). Bone-related parameters showed that ECH intervention had a trend of improvement in bone health, but this did not reach statistical significance. The SAMP8 model exhibits key features of both AD and OP, making it a valuable tool for investigating their comorbidity and underlying mechanisms. ECH improves cognitive functions and alleviates bone loss, indicating its potential as a therapeutic candidate for AD-OP comorbidity.