Abstract:
This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of
Xanthoceras sorbifolium oil (XSO) on the
Drosophila melanogaster model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to explore the underlying mechanism. A
β42 transgenic flies were randomly divided into five experimental groups: An AD model group and four intervention groups receiving different doses of XSO (5, 10, 20, and 40 g/kg in the culture medium) and a wild-type W1118 male control group. The behavioral indices of
Drosophila melanogaster, including lifespan, climbing ability, heat resistance, olfactory memory, and intestinal permeability, were detected. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the Western blot assay were conducted to measure the expression of
β-amyloid protein (A
β42) in the brain tissues of
Drosophila melanogaster. Additionally, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were detected using assay kits. The gut microbiota composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, followed by bioinformatic analysis. The results showed that compared with the control group, XSO treatment at doses of 5, 10, and 20 g/kg could prolong the lifespan of
Drosophila melanogaster, and the 10 g/kg dose exerted the most significant anti-aging effect, increasing average lifespan by 32%. Furthermore, the 10 g/kg dose significantly improved the climbing ability, heat resistance, olfactory memory, and intestinal permeability of
Drosophila melanogaster with AD, reduced the expression of A
β42 in brain tissues, and enhanced the activities of SOD and GSH-Px. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the 10 g/kg XSO intervention altered the gut microbiota composition, enhancing microbial diversity in the A
β42 transgenic
Drosophila melanogaster. In conclusion, XSO exhibits anti-aging effects, and an appropriate dose of XSO can significantly prolong the lifespan of
Drosophila melanogaster. It also exerts a certain neuroprotective effect. These effects may be attributed to alterations in the gut microbiota, including increases richness and diversity in aging
Drosophila melanogaster, which helps mitigate
β-amyloid deposition and enhances antioxidant defenses.