In
this study natural-based complex polyphenols, obtained through
a smart synthetic approach, have been evaluated for their ability
to inhibit the formation of Aβ42 oligomers, the most
toxic species causing synaptic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and
neuronal death leading to the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s
disease. In vitro neurotoxicity tests on primary hippocampal neurons
have been employed to select nontoxic candidates. Solution NMR and
molecular docking studies have been performed to clarify the interaction
mechanism of Aβ42 with the synthesized polyphenol
derivatives, and highlight the sterical and chemical requirements
important for their antiaggregating activity. NMR results indicated
that the selected polyphenolic compounds target Aβ42 oligomeric species. Combined NMR and docking studies indicated that
the Aβ42 central hydrophobic core, namely, the 17–31
region, is the main interaction site. The length of the peptidomimetic
scaffold and the presence of a guaiacol moiety were identified as
important requirements for the antiaggregating activity. In vivo experiments
on an Aβ42 oligomer-induced acute mouse model highlighted
that the most promising polyphenolic derivative (PP04) inhibits detrimental
effects of Aβ42 oligomers on memory and glial cell
activation. NMR kinetic studies showed that PP04 is endowed with the
chemical features of true inhibitors, strongly affecting both the
Aβ42 nucleation and growth rates, thus representing
a promising candidate to be further developed into an effective drug
against neurodegenerative diseases of the amyloid type.