Effects of trans-2,4-dimethoxystibene against the neurotoxicity induced by Aβ25–35 both in vitro and in vivo

Trans-2,4-dimethoxystibene (S3) is a synthetic stilbene. In this study, S3 was investigated in terms of its neuroprotective effect against the toxicity induced by β-amyloid25–35 (Aβ25–35) both in vitro and in vivo. Protection by S3 was studied at the in vivo level using a model of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of Aβ25–35 in mice. The consumption of S3 (50 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated the cognitive deficits and neuron apoptosis caused by i.c.v. injection of Aβ25–35. At the same time, the decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and choline acetyl transferase (ChAT) were markedly increased, and the increased acetylcholine esterase (AchE) activity was significantly decreased in hippocampus and cortex. In vitro, SHY-SY5Y cells were co-cultured with Aβ25–35, and then treated with S3 immediately. Neuronal survival rates were increased, and this protection was associated with reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and stabilization of mitochondrial membrane potential.