The Protective Effect of Astaxanthin on Scopolamine - Induced Alzheimer's Model in Mice.

Objectives: To investigate the fundamental mechanisms of the neuroprotective impact of Astaxanthin (AST) in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) induced by scopolamine. Methods: This research constituted an in vivo animal study encompassing 36 adult male mice, divided into 6 groups: Control, 100 mg/kg AST, 2 mg/kg scopolamine (AD group), 100 mg/kg AST+2 mg/kg scopolamine, 3 mg/kg galantamine+2 mg/kg scopolamine, and 100 mg/kg AST+3 mg/kg galantamine+2 mg/kg scopolamine. After 14 days, the mice's short-term memory, hippocampus tissue, oxidative and inflammatory markers were evaluated. Results: The AST demonstrated a beneficial influence on short-term memory and a reduction in acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain. It exhibited neuroprotective and anti-amyloidogenic properties, significantly decreased pro-inflammatory markers and oxidative stress, and reversed the decline of the Akt-1 and phosphorylated Akt pathway, a crucial regulator of abnormal tau. Furthermore, AST enhanced the effect of galantamine in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Conclusion: The findings indicate that AST may offer therapeutic benefits against cognitive dysfunction in AD. This is attributed to its ability to reduce oxidative stress, control neuroinflammation, and enhance Akt1 and pAkt levels, thereby underscoring its potential in AD treatment strategies.