AMP-activated protein kinase as a therapeutic target: effects of nano-selenium and thymoquinone in Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

Context: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline and complex multifactorial pathogenesis. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been identified as a promising molecular target in AD due to its neuroprotective functions, particularly in energy regulation. Objective: To evaluate the effects of nano-selenium and thymoquinone (TQ) on AMPK gene expression in an AD rat model. Subjects and Methods: Fifty male albino rats were divided into five groups. Four groups were induced with AD via lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection, while the control group remained untreated. The experimental groups received nano-selenium, TQ, or a combination of both treatments. AMPK gene expression in brain tissue was measured using real-time PCR analysis. Results: Treatment with nano-selenium, TQ, or their combination significantly upregulated AMPK expression in brain tissue compared to untreated AD rats (p<0.001). The combination therapy produced the highest increase in AMPK expression. Discussion and conclusion: Nano-selenium and TQ enhance AMPK gene expression in AD, suggesting a potential therapeutic mechanism involving AMPK-related pathways.