Smilagenin attenuates beta amyloid (25-35)-induced degeneration of neuronal cells via stimulating the gene expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor

▶SMI attenuates beta amyloid-induced neurodegenerative changes in cultured neurons. ▶BDNF protein levels were decreased by Aβ25-35 and elevated by SMI. ▶Trk B inhibitor K252a or neutralizing anti-BDNF antibody abolished the action of SMI. ▶In SH-SY5Y cells, SMI elevated the BDNF transcription rate but did not affect its degradation. ▶qRT-PCR showed that SMI mainly elevated IV and VI transcripts of BDNF mRNA.