Noopept stimulates the expression of NGF and BDNF in rat hippocampus

Abstract

We studied the effect of original dipeptide preparation Noopept (N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester, GVS-111) with nootropic and neuroprotective properties on the expression of mRNA for neurotropic factors NGF and BDNF in rat hippocampus. Expression of NGF and BDNF mRNA in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus was studied by Northern blot analysis. Taking into account the fact that pharmacological activity of Noopept is realized after both acute and chronic treatment, we studied the effect of single and long-term treatment (28 days) with this drug. Expression of the studied neurotropic factors in the cerebral cortex was below the control after single administration of Noopept, while chronic administration caused a slight increase in BDNF expression. In the hippocampus, expression of mRNA for both neurotrophins increased after acute administration of Noopept. Chronic treatment with Noopept was not followed by the development of tolerance, but even potentiated the neurotrophic effect. These changes probably play a role in neuronal restoration. We showed that the nootropic drug increases expression of neurotrophic factors in the hippocampus. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that neurotrophin synthesis in the hippocampus determines cognitive function, particularly in consolidation and delayed memory retrieval. Published data show that neurotrophic factor deficiency in the hippocampus is observed not only in advanced Alzheimer's disease, but also at the stage of mild cognitive impairment (pre-disease state). In light of this our findings suggest that Noopept holds much promise to prevent the development of Alzheimer's disease in patients with mild cognitive impairment. Moreover, therapeutic effectiveness of Noopept should be evaluated at the initial stage of Alzheimer's disease.

Noopept – Protekcinių Savybių Turintis Preparatas

“…NGF ir BDNF. Tyrimai atskleidė, kad Np didina NGF ir BDNF lygius žiurkių hipokampe, mažina streso sukeltų ir nuo mitogenų priklausomų pSAPK/JNK ir pERK1 kinazių ekspresiją, didina tiek bazinį transkripcijos faktoriaus HIF-1 aktyvumą in vitro, tiek sukeltą hipoksiją imituojančio vaisto, pasižymi cholinerginėmis savybėmis elgesio ir neuronų lygmenyje, mažina oksidacinį stresą [12][13][14][15][16]. NGF ir BDNF yra susiję su ląstelių formavimusi, augimu, diferenciacija, funkcijų palaikymu ir subrendusių ląstelių išgyvenimu.…”

The Mixture of Gotu Kola, Cnidium Fruit, and Goji Berry Enhances Memory Functions by Inducing Nerve-Growth-Factor-Mediated Actions Both In Vitro and In Vivo

“…Some natural nootropics act as modulators of neurotransmitter release, neuroprotective agents, and as an energy booster in the brain [7,8]. In addition, chronic treatment with nootropics has been associated with significantly enhanced actions on memory function through the increase of NGF expression in the hippocampus [9]. Thus, a natural nootropic that is involved in NGF synthesis might be a potential cognitive enhancer.…”

Molecular Mechanism Underlying the Action of Substituted Pro-Gly Dipeptide Noopept

“…The mechanism of Noopept action has been studied since its synthesis. It has been established that the drug increases the expression of NGF and BDNF in the hippocampus [ 8 ], exhibits choline-positive properties at behavioral and neuronal levels [ 9 ], reduces oxidative stress and enhances the activity of antioxidant systems [ 7 , 10 ], and represses kinases pSAPK/JNK and pERK1 induced by stress [ 11 ]. However, the study of the primary interactions of Noopept with more than 100 known receptors conducted according to our protocol by the CEREP company (France) did not lead to the expected identification of the primary targets.…”