Research Article
1H-MRS Observation of Frontal White Matter Metabolites in Human Natural Aging and Early Cognitive Decline in Vivo
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
42-59
Received:
11 April 2026
Accepted:
26 April 2026
Published:
12 May 2026
Abstract: Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) enables noninvasive in vivo detection of biochemical and neurotransmitter alterations in brain neurons, offering potential for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study investigates metabolite distribution patterns in bilateral frontal white matter and imaging biomarkers of early cognitive function across preclinical and prodromal stages of the AD continuum. A cohort of 362 right-handed participants underwent comprehensive neuropsychological assessments. Single-voxel 1H-MRS was employed to acquire metabolite spectra from bilateral frontal white matter, complemented by venous blood analysis for AD-associated genes and toxic proteins. Statistical analysis revealed the following key findings. Normal Controls (NC): (1) Higher relative concentrations of N-acetyl-aspartate/N-acetyl aspartyl-glutamate (NAA+NAAG) and glycerol-phosphocholine/phosphocholine (GPC+PCho) were observed in left versus right frontal white matter. (2) Age-related decline: NAA+NAAG levels in left frontal white matter demonstrated progressive reduction from younger to older age groups. (3) The elderly group exhibited significantly lower glutamate/glutamine (Glu+Gln) concentrations in left frontal white matter compared to middle-aged and younger groups. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): (1) Inverse correlation between Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) scores and right frontal NAA+NAAG content. (2) Positive associations between Shape Trail Test (STT-A/B) completion times and right frontal myo-inositol (mIns) levels. Left frontal Glu+Gln concentrations correlated positively with plasma biomarkers: amyloid β-protein (Aβ1-42), total tau (t-tau), and phosphorylated tau181 (p-tau181). These 1H-MRS-detected metabolite alterations in bilateral frontal white matter may reflect both physiological brain aging and AD-related pathological changes, suggesting their utility as potential diagnostic indicators for early-stage AD. The integration of metabolic profiling with established biomarkers could enhance predictive accuracy in the AD continuum.
Abstract: Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) enables noninvasive in vivo detection of biochemical and neurotransmitter alterations in brain neurons, offering potential for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study investigates metabolite distribution patterns in bilateral frontal white matter and imaging biomarkers of early cogniti...
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Research Article
Kolaviron and Bryophyllum pinnatum Attenuate
AlCl3-Induced Memory Impairment by Modulating Oxidative Stress, Astrogliosis, and Bcl-2/Nrf2 Signaling
Rademene Sunday Oria*
,
Bolaji Samuel Mesole,
Ujong Gabriel Otu,
Kingsley Ekpe Akpang,
Saviour God’swealth Usin,
Cynthia Nyen Tangban,
Sesugh Ugese,
Comfort Andokie Ugi Ugbong,
Chidera Michael Nwodo,
Oluchi Priscilla Uwazurike,
Chinecherem Marvelous Obidinanwa,
Margaret Ikanobi Michael
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
60-70
Received:
16 May 2026
Accepted:
29 May 2026
Published:
18 June 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.cnn.20261002.12
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Abstract: Background: Chronic exposure to aluminium chloride (AlCl3) damages the hippocampus and impairs cognition through oxidative stress, reactive astrogliosis, and neuronal apoptosis. Phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity are increasingly considered as candidate neuroprotectants, yet evidence supporting combined plant-derived interventions that target these convergent pathways remains scarce. Purpose: This study examined whether Kolaviron, a biflavonoid complex from Garcinia kola seeds, and an ethanolic extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum (CRA), administered individually or in combination, attenuate AlCl3-induced hippocampal injury and cognitive impairment in Wistar rats, and whether their protective actions converge on the Nrf2 signalling pathway. Methods: Seventy adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to seven groups of ten: vehicle control, AlCl3 (100 mg/kg), Kolaviron alone (200 mg/kg), CRA alone (600 mg/kg), AlCl3 + Kolaviron, AlCl3 + CRA, and AlCl3 + Kolaviron + CRA. All agents were administered by oral gavage daily for fourteen days. Spatial learning and memory were assessed using the Morris water maze. Hippocampal homogenates were assayed for superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Haematoxylin and eosin staining was used to evaluate cytoarchitecture, and immunohistochemistry quantified glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression in the CA3 subfield. Data were analysed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post hoc test. Results: AlCl3 exposure prolonged escape latency, lowered SOD and CAT activities, raised MDA, produced neuronal loss with pyknotic and vacuolated cells, increased GFAP immunoreactivity, and reduced both Bcl-2 and Nrf2 expression in CA3. Co-treatment with Kolaviron or CRA reversed each of these alterations (p < 0.05 versus AlCl3 alone), and the combined regimen produced the most consistent restoration across behavioural, biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical endpoints, frequently returning values close to control levels. Conclusion: Kolaviron and B. pinnatum protect the rat hippocampus against AlCl3-induced damage by restoring antioxidant defences, attenuating astrogliosis, preserving Bcl-2 expression, and activating Nrf2 signalling, with the combination conferring broader protection than either agent alone. These findings support further investigation of these phytochemicals as candidates against environmental neurotoxicant-induced neurodegeneration.
Abstract: Background: Chronic exposure to aluminium chloride (AlCl3) damages the hippocampus and impairs cognition through oxidative stress, reactive astrogliosis, and neuronal apoptosis. Phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity are increasingly considered as candidate neuroprotectants, yet evidence supporting combined plant-derived int...
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