Neurobehavioral and Molecular Rescue by Dapagliflozin in Aluminum Chloride-Induced Alzheimer’s Model: Possible Relevance of NF-κB and Aβ (1–42)

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by the deposition of amyloid-β plaques in the hippocampus, leading to cognitive and behavioral impairments. This study investigated the neuroprotective outcome of Dapagliflozin (DAPA), a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor primarily used for glycemic control, which also exhibits notable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Using an aluminum chloride (AlCl 3 )-induced rat model of AD, the research evaluates behavioral, biochemical, and neuroinflammatory changes, particularly focusing on the nuclear factor kappa-B protein (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Rats were orally administered AlCl 3 to induce AD-like pathology, followed by DAPA treatment (1 and 2 mg/kg, p.o.) over a 28-day period. Behavioral assessments, including the Morris water maze and Elevated Plus Maze, were used to evaluate spatial memory and anxiety. On day 29, hippocampal tissues were collected to assess neurotransmitter levels, oxidative stress markers (LPO, GSH, nitrite), and inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6), along with the expression of NF-κB. AlCl 3 exposure led to significant alterations in neurotransmitter balance (AChE, GABA, and glutamate), heightened oxidative stress, and increased neuroinflammatory responses. DAPA treatment significantly mitigated these changes, notably downregulating NF-κB, which correlated with decreased amyloid beta and expression in the hippocampus. These findings suggest that beyond its antidiabetic action, DAPA offers promising neuroprotection against AlCl 3 -induced neurotoxicity, potentially via modulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway.