Naringin Protects against Tau Hyperphosphorylation in Aβ25–35-Injured PC12 Cells through Modulation of ER, PI3K/AKT, and GSK-3β Signaling Pathways

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and a significant social and economic burden. Estrogens can exert neuroprotective effects and may contribute to the prevention, attenuation, or even delay in the onset of AD; however, long-term estrogen therapy is associated with harmful side effects. Thus, estrogen alternatives are of interest for countering AD. Naringin, a phytoestrogen, is a key active ingredient in the traditional Chinese medicine Drynaria. Naringin is known to protect against nerve injury induced by amyloid beta-protein (Aβ) _25–35, but the underlying mechanisms of this protection are unclear. To investigate the mechanisms of naringin neuroprotection, we observed the protective effect on Aβ_25–35-injured C57BL/6J mice’s learning and memory ability and hippocampal neurons. Then, an Aβ_25–35 injury model was established with adrenal phaeochromocytoma (PC12) cells. We examined the effect of naringin treatment on Aβ_25–35-injured PC12 cells and its relationship with estrogen receptor (ER), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β signaling pathways. Estradiol (E₂) was used as a positive control for neuroprotection. Naringin treatment resulted in improved learning and memory ability, the morphology of hippocampal neurons, increased cell viability, and reduced apoptosis. We next examined the expression of ERβ, p-AKT (Ser473, Thr308), AKT, p-GSK-3β (Ser9), GSK-3β, p-Tau (Thr231, Ser396), and Tau in PC12 cells treated with Aβ_25–35 and either naringin or E₂, with and without inhibitors of the ER, PI3K/AKT, and GSK-3β pathways. Our results demonstrated that naringin inhibits Aβ_25–35-induced Tau hyperphosphorylation by modulating the ER, PI3K/AKT, and GSK-3β signaling pathways. Furthermore, the neuroprotective effects of naringin were comparable to those of E₂ in all treatment groups. Thus, our results have furthered our understanding of naringin’s neuroprotective mechanisms and indicate that naringin may comprise a viable alternative to estrogen therapy.

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1. Introduction

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive impairment, is the leading cause of dementia [1]. Recent research has shown that estrogen not only regulates the growth and development of the reproductive system but also serves a neuroprotective role in the pathophysiology of AD [2]. Estrogen receptor β (ERβ) is highly expressed in the hippocampus. Binding of estrogen to ERβ activates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway and reduces the toxic effects of amyloid beta-protein (Aβ) on adrenal phaeochromocytoma (PC12) cells [3]. Estrogen also helps repair the central nervous system (CNS), stimulating axon regeneration following subcortical axon injury by modulating the PI3K/AKT pathway [4]. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is involved in growth, development, learning, and memory aspects of the CNS, and plays a significant role in the prevention and treatment of AD [5]. Activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway inhibits the activity of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, which is closely linked to abnormal Tau protein phosphorylation [6]. As the protein kinase that regulates Tau protein phosphorylation, GSK-3β is a key factor in the occurrence and development of AD.

Deactivation of GSK-3β could potentially retard the development of AD hallmarks namely, Aβ plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) [7]. In a dementia mouse model, estrogen deficiency was shown to aggravate cognitive impairment through the ERβ/GSK-3β pathway [8]. Thus, the neuroprotective effects of estrogen in AD are likely related to the ER, PI3K/AKT, and GSK-3β signaling pathways.

Unfortunately, long-term estrogen therapy can cause catastrophic side effects such as breast and uterine cancer. Thus, alternatives to estrogen should be investigated as viable candidates for countering AD.

Phytoestrogens are a class of plant-derived compounds similar to estradiol (E₂) in structure and function. Phytoestrogens bind ER and can impart both estrogen-like and anti-estrogen-like effects without the harmful side effects associated with long-term estrogen therapy [9]. Hence, phytoestrogens are considered viable candidates for the prevention and treatment of AD [10]. Previous research conducted by our group showed that Drynaria, a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine, had a significant protective effect on the functionality of the CNS [11]. Naringin, a key active ingredient of Drynaria fortune, is a flavonoid phytoestrogen with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities [12]. The estrogen-like activity of naringin has been confirmed [13], making it a viable therapeutic candidate for AD studies. In a recent study, naringin exhibited Mas receptor-mediated neuroprotective effects against Aβ-induced cognitive impairment and mitochondrial toxicity in rats [14]. Another study showed that the nitric oxide signaling pathway is involved in naringin’s regulation of intranasal manganese and intraventricular Aβ-induced neurotoxicity [15]. However, studies examining the effect of naringin on the ER, PI3K/AKT, and GSK-3β signaling pathways are lacking.

In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of naringin on Aβ_25–35-injured C57BL/6J mice and Aβ_25–35-injured PC12 cells, and compared them to the effects of E₂. In cell experiments, the ER inhibitor ICI182780, the PI3K inhibitor LY294002, and the GSK-3β inhibitor LiCl were used to study the relationship between naringin’s protective effects and the ER, PI3K/AKT, and GSK-3β signaling pathways. We found the neuroprotective effects of naringin were comparable to those of E₂ and involve the inhibition of Aβ_25–35-induced Tau phosphorylation through modulation of the ER, PI3K/AKT, and GSK-3β signaling pathways.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Animals

Eight-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were purchased from Beijing Vital River Laboratory Animal Technology Co., Ltd. (Beijing, China). Mice were raised in specific pathogen free (SPF)-grade animal facilities, with a temperature of 20–22°C and relative humidity of 55–65%. The light source was natural, and the light and dark alternated for 12 hours (12L : 12D), with ad libitum access to water and food. In order to make the mice adapt to the environment, they were adaptively fed for 1 week before the experiment. The operations were carried out under general anesthesia to reduce the pain of mice. The study was approved by the Ethical Committee of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine (2020092502) and was conducted according to accepted animal care practices.

2.2. Cell Culture

PC12 cells purchased from Shanghai Zhong Qiao Xin Zhou Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (Shanghai, China) were cultured in standard dulbecco’s modified eagle medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) at 37°C and 5% CO₂.

2.3. Treatment Reagents

Aβ_25–35 was purchased from Beijing Boosen Biological Technology Co., Ltd. (Beijing, China). E₂ and naringin were purchased from J & K Scientific Ltd. (Beijing, China). Dye for hematoxylin eosin (H & E) staining was purchased from Beyotime Biotechnology (Shanghai, China). ICI182780 and LY294002 were purchased from Selleck Chemicals LLC (Houston, TX, USA). LiCl was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO, USA).

2.4. Experimental Treatments

C57BL/6J mice were subjected to the following treatments: 24 mice were randomly assigned into the control group, Aβ_25–35 group, naringin group, and E₂ group, with 6 mice in each group. The Aβ_25–35 group, naringin group, and E₂ group were anesthetized by inhaling isoflurane with portable small animal anesthesia machine (ZS-MV-IV, Beijing Zhongshidichuang Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd., Beijing, China) and fixed on the stereotaxic apparatus (ZS-FD/S, Beijing Zhongshidichuang Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd., Beijing, China). The mouse’s scalp was cut open to expose the skull. At the injection point in the hippocampal regions (2.0 mm behind the Bregma, 2.1 mm from the lateral to the left and right, 3.7 mm deep under the skull surface), holes were drilled into the surface with a skull drill. Aβ_25–35 1 μl (10 μg/μl) was subsequently injected on each side with a microinjection needle. Aβ_25–35 1 μl was injected over the course of 5 minutes, and the needle was kept in place for an additional 10 minutes after the injection was completed. The scalp was then sutured closed. Normal saline, naringin 100 mg kg⁻¹ d⁻¹, or E₂ 0.13 mg kg⁻¹ d⁻¹ was administered according to the group classification for 21 days, with an oral administration at the dosage of 10 mL kg⁻¹ d⁻¹. After the control group was anesthetized in the same way, the same amount of normal saline was injected into the bilateral hippocampus, and the same amount of normal saline was given by oral administration for 21 days (Figure 1).

[figure(s) omitted; refer to PDF]

Logarithmic phase PC12 cells were subjected to the following treatments: (1) Untreated: DMEM for 24 hours; (2) Aβ_25–35: 20 μM Aβ_25–35 for 24 hours; (3) E₂:100 pM or 1 nM E₂ for 24 hours; (4) naringin: 100 pM, 1 nM, 10 nM, 100 nM, 1 M, 10 M, 100 M, or 1 mM naringin for 24 hours; (5) E₂ + Aβ_25–35: 1 nM E₂ for 2 hours, followed by 20 μM Aβ_25–35 for 24 hours; (6) naringin + Aβ_25–35: 100 pM, 1 nM, 10 nM, 100 nM, 1 M, 10 M, 100 M, or 1 mM naringin for 2 hours, followed 20 μM Aβ_25–35 for 24 hours; (7) ICI182780 + E₂:1 M ICI182780 for 1 hour, followed by 100 pM E₂ for 24 hours; (8) ICI182780 + naringin: 1 M ICI182780 for 1 hour, followed by 1 mM naringin for 24 hours; (9) ICI182780 + E₂ + Aβ_25–35: 1 M ICI182780 for 1 hour, followed 1 nM E₂ for 2 hours, followed by 20 μM Aβ_25–35 for 24 hours; (10) ICI182780 + naringin + Aβ_25–35: 1 M ICI182780 for 1 hour, followed by 1 M naringin for 2 hours, followed by 20 μM Aβ_25–35 for 24 hours; (11) LY294002 + E₂ + Aβ_25–35: 50 μM LY294002 for 1 hour, followed by 1 nM E₂ for 2 hours, followed by 20 μM Aβ_25–35 for 24 hours; (12) LY294002 + naringin + Aβ_25–35: 50 μM LY294002 for 1 hour, followed by 1 M naringin for 2 hours, followed by 20 μM Aβ_25–35 for 24 hours; (13) LiCl + Aβ_25–35: 10 mM LiCl for 2 hours, followed by 20 μM Aβ_25–35 for 24 hours.

2.5. Novel Object Recognition Test

To examine learning and memory, we performed the novel object recognition (NOR) test [16]. The test is based on animals’ innate preference for a novel object, in which mice remembering the familiar object will devote more time exploring a novel one [17]. Each mouse was placed in a box (without objects) for 5 minutes to adapt to the surroundings (habituation). Two identical small cubes were placed at adjacent corners in the box. Each mouse was positioned with its back to the cubes and placed at the midpoint of the opposite box wall. Then, each mouse was given 5 minutes to explore the new objects (training). One hour after the training period, one of the small cubes was replaced with a completely different novel object (Novel Object Recognition Equipment, Shanghai Yishu Information Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China). Each mouse was placed at the same position in the box, and the time taken by each mouse to explore the novel object (Tn) and to explore the familiar object (Tf) within 5 minutes was recorded (test). Objects and the arena were thoroughly cleaned with 70% ethanol between experiments with individual mice to ensure that their behavior was not guided by odor cues [18]. We used the following indices: Discrimination index = (Tn − Tf)/(Tn + Tf). Recognition index = Tn/(Tn + Tf).

2.6. H & E Staining

After the NOR test, the mice were euthanized per protocol and their brains were removed, the residual blood was washed with normal saline, and the brains were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde for 48 hours, and stained pathological sections were prepared. The brain tissue fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde was dehydrated and embedded by conventional pathological methods to make wax blocks, and we used a rotary slicer to cut the wax block into brain sections (4.0 μm thick), dewaxed in xylene, and dehydrated with 95% ethanol. Then, the sections were stained with H & E solution and dehydrated with graded alcohol. We then made the sections transparent with xylene and sealed the sections with neutral glue. H & E staining was performed to observe the morphology of the hippocampus.

2.7. MTT Cell Viability Assay

Following treatment, cells were collected into 96-well plates. Twenty microliters of a 5 g/L methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) solution (Sigma-Aldrich) were added to each well, and the plates were incubated at 37°C for 4 hours. Following removal of the supernatant, 150 L of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) solution was added to each well. Plates were incubated at 37°C for 10 minutes on a shaker, and the absorbance was measured at 570 nm on a microplate reader (MK3; Shanghai Thermoelectric Instrument Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China). The percentage of normalized cell proliferation was calculated as follows: absorbance value of treated cells/absorbance value of untreated cells × 100%.

2.8. Annexin V-FITC/PI Double Staining Flow Cytometry Apoptosis Assay

Treated cells were collected into 6-well plates; digested with trypsin; washed twice with PBS; and incubated in 195 μL Annexin V-FITC binding solution, 5 μL Annexin V-FITC, and 10 μL PI staining solution at room temperature in the dark for 15 minutes. During the incubation, a pipette gun was blown every 5 minutes to improve the dyeing effect. Processed cells were analyzed by flow cytometry within 1 hour, and the results were processed using the FlowJo flow cytometry software package (BD Biosciences, Ashland, OR, USA).

2.9. qRT-PCR

Treated cells were collected into 6-well plates. Total RNA was extracted, and its quality was detected. CDNA was synthesized and amplified using the Ultra SYBR Mixture kit (Biosharp Life Sciences, Seoul, Korea) on a MX3000p fluorescent quantitative PCR instrument (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA). The PCR primer sequences were: (1) ERα forward: 5′-ATGGGCACTTCAGGAGACAT-3′ and reverse: 5′-AAAGGTGGTTCAGCATCCAA-3′; (2) ERβ forward: 5′-TCTGGGTGATTGCGAAGAG-3′ and reverse: 5′-TGCCCTTGTTACTGATGTGC-3′; (3) β-actin forward: 5′-TGTCACCAACTGGGACGATA-3′ and reverse: 5′-GGGGTGTTGAAGGTCTCAAA-3′. The PCR cycling parameters were: 1 cycle of denaturation at 95°C for 10 minutes; followed by 40 cycles of denaturation at 95°C for 30 seconds, annealing at 60°C/57°C for 1 minute, and extension at 74°C for 1 minute. CT values, dissolution curves, and amplification curves were calculated by the PCR instrument. The relative expressions of ERα and ERβ were calculated by the 2^−∆∆Ct method.

2.10. Immunoblot Assays

Treated cells were collected into 6-well plates and lysed with radioimmunoprecipitation assay buffer (RIPA) buffer containing 1 mM phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) for 30 minutes on ice. Following total protein extraction, protein concentration was determined using the bicinchoninic acid assay (BCA) method. Proteins were separated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and transferred to polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes. The PVDF membranes were incubated overnight at 4°C with the following primary antibodies: rabbit anti-ERβ, rabbit anti-p-AKT (Ser473, Thr308), rabbit anti-AKT, rabbit anti-p-GSK-3β (Ser9), rabbit anti-p-Tau (Thr231, Ser396), rabbit anti-Tau (all purchased from Beijing Boosen Biological Technology Co., Ltd., China), and mouse anti-GSK-3β (Wuhan Boster Biological Technology Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China). Membranes were washed and incubated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled goat anti-mouse IgG or HRP-labeled goat anti-rabbit IgG (Wuhan Boster Biological Technology Co., Ltd.) at room temperature for 1 hour. Membranes were washed again, the enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) kit (Beyotime Biotechnology) was used to detect immunoreactive bands. A lane ID gel analysis system was used to analyze the grey values.

2.11. Statistical Analyses

All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was implemented for comparison between groups, least significant difference (LSD) tests were applied to compare means between groups, and SNK was used for post-statistical corrections. Experimental data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation ($\overline{x}\pm S$), and statistical significance was set at $P<0.05$.

3. Results

3.1. Effect of Naringin on Learning and Memory Ability of C57BL/6J Mice Injured by Aβ_25–35

After Aβ_25–35 treatment, compared with the control group, the discrimination index of Aβ_25–35-injured C57BL/6J mice significantly decreased. In contrast, in the naringin group, the discrimination index significantly increased, which reflects the ability of learning and memory improvement. Additionally, the amount of time that Aβ_25–35-injured mice spent exploring the novel object was significantly less than that of the control group, as these mice were less interested in exploring and learning about the novel object. However, the mice supplemented with naringin were observed to have a significant increase in preference for the novel object (Figure 2).

[figure(s) omitted; refer to PDF]

3.2. Effect of Naringin on Morphology of Hippocampal Neurons of C57BL/6J Mice Injured by Aβ_25–35

In the control group, the cells in the hippocampus were arranged regularly, the number of neurons was large, the staining was uniform, the nucleolus was clearly visible, and there was no nuclear shrinkage. After the Aβ_25–35 treatment, compared with the control group, the hippocampal cells in the model group were disordered, some neurons were lost, the number of neurons was reduced, the cells were reduced, the nucleolus was not obvious, and nuclear shrinkage was obvious. In contrast, the arrangement of hippocampal neurons in the naringin group was more regular, there were more neurons, the morphology was normal, the nucleolus was clear, and there was no obvious nuclear shrinkage (Figure 3).

[figure(s) omitted; refer to PDF]

3.3. Effect of Naringin on Viability of PC12 Cells Injured by Aβ_25–35

Next, we used PC12 cells to further study the in-depth mechanism of naringin’s neuroprotective effect. Previous experiments conducted by our group showed that 1 nM E₂ had no significant effect on PC12 cell viability and was the optimal concentration to mitigate injury by Aβ_25–35. Therefore, treatment with 1 nM E₂ was used as a positive control in experiments assessing the efficacy of naringin. To determine the optimal concentration of naringin, we utilized the MTT method to detect cell viability. First, we determined the effect of different naringin concentrations on the viability of PC12 cells. Relative to untreated cells, the viability of PC12 cells treated with 1 mM naringin was significantly increased (Figure 4(a)). Naringin concentrations ranging from 100 pM to 100 M had no significant effect on PC12 cell viability and were therefore used in subsequent experiments.

[figure(s) omitted; refer to PDF]

We next examined whether naringin pretreatment would protect cells from the effects of Aβ_25–35. As expected, the viability of PC12 cells treated with 20 M Aβ_25–35 was significantly lower than that of untreated cells, and the cytotoxic effect of Aβ_25–35 was abrogated by E₂ pretreatment (Figure 4(b)). Pretreating cells with naringin also successfully abrogated the effect of Aβ_25–35 on cell viability, with a naringin concentration of 1 M providing protection similar to that of E₂.

To investigate the roles of the ER, PI3K/AKT, and GSK-3β pathways in Aβ_25–35-induced cytotoxicity, we examined the effects of the ER blocker ICI182780, the PI3K inhibitor LY294002, and the GSK-3β inhibitor LiCl on Aβ_25–35-induced PC12 cell injury. As previously observed, the cytotoxic effects of Aβ_25–35 were significantly abrogated by pretreatment with either naringin or E₂ (Figure 4(c)). Pretreatment with LiCl also significantly safeguarded cells against Aβ_25–35-induced injury, suggesting that naringin may exert its protective effects, at least in part, by inhibiting GSK-3β activity. The protective effects of naringin and E₂ against Aβ_25–35-induced PC12 cell injury were lost when cells were first pretreated with either ICI182780 or LY294002. The above data indicate that naringin’s protective effects against Aβ_25–35-induced cell injury may be mediated through activation of the ER and/or PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.

3.4. Effect of Naringin on the Rate of Apoptosis in PC12 Cells Injured by Aβ_25–35

We further examined the roles of the ER, PI3K/AKT, and GSK-3β pathways in Aβ_25–35-induced cytotoxicity and naringin neuroprotection by monitoring the rate of apoptosis in different treatment groups. Utilizing Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide (V-FITC/PI) double stain flow cytometry, we found that the apoptosis rate of Aβ_25–35-treated PC12 cells was significantly higher than that of untreated cells (Figure 5(a) panels A and B; Figure 5(b)). Pretreatment of cells with naringin, LiCl, or E₂ prior to Aβ_25–35 exposure significantly decreased the rate of apoptosis (Figure 5(a) panels C, D, and I; Figure 5(b)). Preexposure to the ER blocker ICI182780 or the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 abrogated the protective effects of naringin and E₂ against Aβ_25–35-induced cytotoxicity, resulting in increased rates of apoptosis (Figure 5(a) panels E–H; Figure 5(b)). These results provide further evidence that naringin may protect PC12 cells from Aβ_25–35-induced injury by inhibiting GSK-3β activity and activating the ER and/or PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.

[figure(s) omitted; refer to PDF]

3.5. The Role of the ER Pathway in Naringin Protection

We hypothesized that naringin exerts its protective effects over Aβ_25–35-induced injury by modulating the PI3K/AKT and GSK-3β signaling pathways through activation of the ER pathway. To test this hypothesis, we first monitored the levels of ER subtype mRNAs in treated PC12 cells by qRT-PCR. As we previously found 100 pM E₂ and 1 mM naringin to be the most effective concentrations in PC12 cell viability assays, we used these concentrations for our ER expression analyses. Reverse-transcribed total RNA from PC12 cells treated with E₂ or naringin, alone and in combination with ICI182780, served as the template for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) reactions with primers specific to ERα and ERβ. As levels of ERα mRNA in cells were exceptionally low, it was difficult to quantitatively amplify Erα, and we thus instead chose to focus on ERβ. Compared with untreated cells, the level of ERβ mRNA was significantly increased in naringin-treated cells (Figure 6(a)). Exposure of PC12 cells to both ICI182780 and naringin significantly reduced ERβ mRNA levels compared to treatment with naringin alone. Similar results were seen for E₂ treatment in the presence and absence of ICI182780. These results indicate that ERβ mRNA expression can be upregulated by naringin.

[figure(s) omitted; refer to PDF]

We next examined levels of ERβ, p-AKT (Ser473), p-AKT (Thr308), AKT, p-GSK-3β (Ser9), GSK-3β, p-Tau (Ser396), p-Tau (Thr231), and Tau proteins by quantitative immunoblotting. Levels of ERβ/-actin, p-AKT (Ser473, Thr308)/AKT, and p-GSK-3β (Ser9)/GSK-3β were significantly lower in Aβ_25–35-treated PC12 cells compared to untreated cells (Figures 6(b), 6(c), 6(d), 6(e), and 6(f)), whereas levels of p-Tau (Thr231, Ser396)/Tau were significantly higher in Aβ_25–35-treated cells compared to untreated cells (Figures 6(b), 6(g), and 6(h)). Compared to treatment with Aβ_25–35 alone, treatment with naringin + Aβ_25–35 resulted in significantly increased levels of ERβ, p-AKT (Ser473, Thr308)/AKT, and p-GSK-3β (Ser9)/GSK-3β and significantly decreased levels of p-Tau (Thr231, Ser396)/Tau. Addition of the ER blocker ICI182780 to naringin + Aβ_25–35 treatment reversed the effect of naringin on the above protein levels. The effect of naringin was similar to that of E₂ with all treatments, as shown in Figures 6(b), 6(c), 6(d), 6(e), 6(f), 6(g), and 6(h). These results show that naringin promotes the expression of ERβ, the phosphorylation of AKT and GSK-3β, and the inhibition of Tau phosphorylation. The effect of ICI182780 on naringin-mediated expression indicates that naringin likely modulates the PI3K/AKT and GSK-3β signaling pathways by activating the ER pathway.

3.6. The Role of PI3K/AKT Pathway in Naringin Protection

As the PI3K/AKT and GSK-3β signaling pathways are highly associated, we wished to further investigate whether naringin modulates GSK-3β activation through the PI3K/AKT pathway. We examined the effect of treatment with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 on levels of p-AKT (Ser473), p-AKT (Thr308), AKT, p-GSK-3β (Ser9), GSK-3β, p-Tau (Ser396), p-Tau (Thr231), and Tau protein by quantitative immunoblot assays. Compared with untreated PC12 cells, treatment with Aβ_25–35 alone resulted in significantly decreased levels of p-AKT (Ser473, Thr308)/AKT, and p-GSK-3β (Ser9)/GSK-3β and significantly increased levels of p-Tau (Thr231, ser396)/Tau (Figure 7). Compared with cells treated with Aβ_25–35alone, cells treated with Aβ_25–35 + naringin had significantly increased levels of p-AKT (Ser473, Thr308)/AKT and p-GSK-3β (Ser9)/GSK-3β and significantly decreased levels of p-Tau (Thr231, Ser396)/Tau. The addition of LY294002 to naringin + Aβ_25–35 treatment reversed the effect of naringin on the above protein levels. The effect of naringin was similar to that of E₂ in all treatment groups. These results indicate that naringin promotes GSK-3β phosphorylation and inhibits Tau phosphorylation by modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

[figure(s) omitted; refer to PDF]

3.7. The Role of the GSK-3β Pathway in Naringin Protection

The above results indicate that the inhibition of GSK-3β may be one of the mechanisms by which naringin protects PC12 cells from Aβ_25–35 injury. To further test this hypothesis, levels of p-GSK-3β (Ser9), GSK-3β, p-Tau (Ser396), p-Tau (Thr231), and Tau protein were examined by quantitative immunoblotting. Compared with untreated PC12 cells, treatment with Aβ_25–35 resulted in significantly decreased levels of p-GSK-3β (Ser9)/GSK-3β and significantly increased levels of p-Tau (Thr231, Ser396)/Tau (Figure 8). Treatment with naringin, LiCl, or E₂ countered the effects of Aβ_25–35, resulting in significantly increased levels of p-GSK-3β (Ser9)/GSK-3β and significantly decreased levels of p-Tau (Thr231, Ser396)/Tau compared to treatment with Aβ_25–35 alone. These results indicate that inhibition of Tau phosphorylation by naringin may be mediated through the GSK-3β signaling pathway, suggesting a mechanism by which naringin protects against Aβ_25–35-induced neurotoxicity.

[figure(s) omitted; refer to PDF]

4. Discussion

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common degenerative disease of the CNS, is affected by estrogen levels [19]. Senile plaques (SPs) formed by Aβ and NFTs formed by hyperphosphorylated Tau protein are widely accepted neuropathological markers of AD [20]. Studies have shown that compared with Aβ, the density of NFTs formed by hyperphosphorylated Tau is more strongly correlated with cognitive function [21]. Thus, the occurrence and developmental process of Tau protein hyperphosphorylation can be used as a criterion for judging the course of AD [22]. Tau protein mediates the neurotoxic effects of Aβ, and hyperphosphorylated Tau leads to increased Aβ production [23]. Therefore, Tau protein comprises an important therapeutic target in AD drug development.

Tau protein has more than 45 phosphorylation sites. Tau protein molecules with abnormal phosphorylation are separated from microtubules and eventually form NFTs. The affinity between Tau and microtubules is mainly mediated by threonine/serine (Thr/Ser) phosphorylation, with phosphorylation of Thr231 and Ser396 leading to increased NFT formation [24]. Tau protein phosphorylation is regulated by a variety of protein kinases and protein phosphatases. Among them, GSK-3β is the most influential protein kinase in driving AD-like Tau protein hyperphosphorylation. The active form of GSK-3β co-localizes with NFTs in the AD brain and phosphorylates Tau at multiple AD-related sites, including Ser396 and Thr231 [25]. Furthermore, activation of GSK-3β has been shown to induce Tau hyperphosphorylation and cognitive impairment [26]. Hyperphosphorylated Tau leads to increased Aβ production; in turn, Aβ accumulation can also increase the activity of GSK-3β [27].

GSK-3β activity can be regulated by the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway [28]. PI3K is localized in the cytoplasm and plays an important role in promoting cell survival. AKT, as a Ser/Thr protein kinase, is an important signal transduction protein at the core of the PI3K signaling pathway. Following PI3K activation, AKT localizes to the cell membrane, which promotes its phosphorylation and subsequent activation [29]. Therefore, the activity of PI3K is typically reflected in the phosphorylation status of AKT. Yang et al. found that activated AKT phosphorylates GSK-3β at the Ser9 site, thereby inhibiting GSK-3β activity and reducing Tau hyperphosphorylation [30].

ER, a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily, is a classical receptor of estrogens and phytoestrogens. Two subtypes of ER, ERα and ERβ, have differing distributions in reproductive organs, the cardiovascular system, the skeletal system, and the CNS. ERβ is highly distributed and expressed in the CNS, where it plays an important neuroprotective role [31]. Studies have shown that Erβ helps regulate learning, memory, and cognitive abilities by mediating the effects of estrogen; also, selective ERβ receptor agonists have been shown to improve the pathological manifestations and clinical symptoms of AD [32].

Increasing evidence indicates that interactions between the ER and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways may play an important role in neuroprotection. For example, Meng et al. showed that Gypenoside XVII can protect against Aβ-induced neurotoxicity through ER-dependent activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway [33]. Thus, the ER, PI3K/AKT, and GSK-3β signaling pathways may comprise key targets for the treatment or prevention of AD.

Our results showed that naringin effectively improved learning, memory ability, and the morphology of hippocampal neurons of C57BL/6J mice injured by Aβ_25–35, as well as the survival of PC12 cells injured by Aβ_25–35. In addition, we found that naringin stimulated the expression of ERβ, activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, inhibited the activity of GSK-3β, and inhibited the phosphorylation of Tau protein. Our data indicate that the protective effects of naringin on Aβ_25–35-induced neurotoxicity are achieved, at least in part, by reducing Tau protein phosphorylation through modulation of the ER, PI3K/AKT, and GSK-3β signaling pathways. In our experiments, the effects of naringin were similar to those of E₂, further indicating that naringin possesses estrogen-like activity and may comprise a viable therapeutic agent for the treatment of AD. As in vitro experiments, our results possess inherent limitations, and the underlying mechanisms of naringin neuroprotective effects require further evaluation in animal models. However, our results impart important information regarding modulation of the ER, PI3K/AKT, and GSK-3β signaling pathways by naringin, thus providing a theoretical basis for future studies examining naringin’s neuroprotective effects and viability as an AD therapeutic agent.

5. Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that naringin inhibits Aβ_25–35-induced Tau hyperphosphorylation by modulating the ER, PI3K/AKT, and GSK-3β signaling pathways. Furthermore, the effects of naringin were similar to E₂. Thus, our results have furthered our understanding of naringin’s neuroprotective mechanisms.

Authors’ Contributions

Ning Zhang and Hongdan Xu contributed to study conception and design. Qi Qiu, Xia Lei, Yueying Wang, Hui Xiong, Yanming Xu, and Huifeng Sun collected the data. Qi Qiu and Xia Lei contributed to data analysis and interpretation, and drafted the article. Jihui Zhao participated in the editing of the manuscript. All the authors read and approved the final manuscript. Qi Qiu and Xia Lei contributed equally to the manuscript.

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