Gallic Acid Alleviates Cognitive Impairment by Promoting Neurogenesis via the GSK3β-Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in an APP/PS1 Mouse Model

Abstract

Background: Neuronal loss occurs early and is recognized as a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Promoting neurogenesis is an effective treatment strategy for neurodegenerative diseases. Traditional Chinese herbal medicines serve as a rich pharmaceutical source for modulating hippocampal neurogenesis. Objective: Gallic acid (GA), a phenolic acid extracted from herbs, possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Therefore, we aimed to explore whether GA can promote neurogenesis and alleviate AD symptoms. Methods: Memory in mice was assessed using the Morris water maze, and protein levels were examined via western blotting and immunohistochemistry. GA's binding site in the promoter region of transcription regulator nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was calculated using AutoDock Vina and confirmed by a dual luciferase reporter assay. Results: We found that GA improved spatial memory by promoting neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus zone. It also improved synaptic plasticity, reduced tau phosphorylation and amyloid-β concentration, and increased levels of synaptic proteins in APP/PS1 mice. Furthermore, GA inhibited the activity of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β). Bioinformatics tools revealed that GA interacts with several amino acid sites on GSK-3β. Overexpression of GSK-3β was observed to block the protective effects of GA against AD-like symptoms, while GA promoted neurogenesis via the GSK-3β-Nrf2 signaling pathway in APP/PS1 mice. Conclusions: Based on our collective findings, we hypothesize that GA is a potential pharmaceutical agent for alleviating the pathological symptoms of AD.