Effects of the Aphanizomenon flos-aquae Extract (Klamin®)‎ on a Neurodegeneration Cellular Model

Abstract EN

Cyanobacteria have been recognized as a source of bioactive molecules to be employed in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and functional foods.

An extract of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA), commercialized as Klamin®, was subjected to chemical analysis to determine its compounds.

The AFA extract Klamin® resulted to be nontoxic, also at high doses, when administered onto LAN5 neuronal cells.

Its scavenging properties against ROS generation were evaluated by using DCFH-DA assay, and its mitochondrial protective role was determined by JC-1 and MitoSOX assays.

Klamin® exerts a protective role against beta amyloid- (Aβ-) induced toxicity and against oxidative stress.

Anti-inflammatory properties were demonstrated by NFβB nuclear localization and activation of IL-6 and IL-1β inflammatory cytokines through ELISA.

Finally, by using thioflavin T (ThT) and fluorimetric measures, we found that Klamin® interferes with Aβ aggregation kinetics, supporting the formation of smaller and nontoxic structures compared to toxic Aβ aggregates alone.

Altogether, these data indicate that the AFA extract may play a protective role against mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration.