A Comparative Study on the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease Induced by Subchronic Aluminum Exposure Using Tremella and Its Compound Polysaccharides

This study compared the effects of tremella and its compound polysaccharides on subchronic aluminum-induced Alzheimer's disease (AD) in mice. Sixty mice were divided into normal, model (aluminum maltol-induced), tremella preparation (Treatment 1), and tremella compound polysaccharide (Treatment 2) groups. After modeling, treatments were administered via gavage while maintaining aluminum exposure. Memory was assessed using water maze tests, and brain enzymes (β-secretase 1, α/γ-secretase, AchE) and serum biochemical markers were analyzed. Model mice showed significantly reduced brain α-secretase (P<0.05 vs. normal), validating AD modeling. Treatment 2 demonstrated stronger reduction in γ-secretase than Treatment 1 (P=0.008). Both treatments normalized blood indices (e.g., urea nitrogen), suggesting mechanisms via regulating enzyme activities (e.g., β-amyloid cleaving enzyme) and biochemical pathways. While sharing similar anti-AD mechanisms, the two preparations exhibited distinct advantages in modulating specific markers. Results highlight tremella-based traditional Chinese medicine treatments as potential interventions for aluminum poisoning-related AD, warranting further study.