Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective potential of shock wave therapy in double-transgenic mice (APP/PS1) for Alzheimer's Disease

• Grant number: 18/21515-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2019
• End date: December 31, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Physiology of Organs and Systems
• Principal Investigator: Beatriz de Oliveira Monteiro
• Grantee: Mariana Mendes Justiça
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia in the elderly and is associated with high prevalence and incidence in the world. Besides that, this disease is responsible for decrease of life quality and perspective. Alzheimer's disease is involved with high memory loss and cognitive functions damage due to accumulation of amyloid-² (A²) peptide in the brain. These proteins are responsible for promoting an inflammatory state, which is the main factor associated with development of symptoms. The neuronal loss triggered by accumulation of A² peptide is related to synapse degeneration and neuronal death, which consequently promotes cognitive symptoms and memory deficit. This study will investigate the impact of shock wave therapy in a double transgenic animal model of Alzheimer's disease (APP/PS1). We expect a decrease of inflammatory process and a modulation of A² plaques formation in the brain. To find out, we will quantify the A² plaques, microglia and neurogenesis by immunohistochemistry using stereologic technique and quantification of cytokines and A² peptide by ELISA. It will be important to evaluate the modulatory and anti-inflammatory potential of the treatment and investigate the effects of the treatment in A² plaques formation, angiogenesis and memory allowing correlation with translational researches by a delineation of more effective strategies to treat this pathology. (AU)