Apocynin, a Selective NADPH Oxidase (Nox2) Inhibitor, Ameliorates Behavioural and Learning Deficits in the Fragile X Syndrome Mouse Model
<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is associated with intellectual disability, hyperactivity, social anxiety and signs of autism. Hyperactivation of NADPH oxidase has been previously described in the brain of the male <i>Fmr1</i>-KO mouse. This work aims t...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Biomedicines |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/12/12/2887 |
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| Summary: | <b>Background/Objectives:</b> Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is associated with intellectual disability, hyperactivity, social anxiety and signs of autism. Hyperactivation of NADPH oxidase has been previously described in the brain of the male <i>Fmr1</i>-KO mouse. This work aims to demonstrate the efficacy of Apocynin, a specific NADPH oxidase inhibitor, in treating Fragile X mouse hallmarks. <b>Methods:</b> Free radicals, lipid and protein oxidation markers and behavioural and learning paradigms were measured after chronic treatment with orally administered vehicle, 10 mg/kg/day or 30 mg/kg/day of Apocynin. <b>Results</b>: The results revealed a reduction in testis weight, an increase in peritoneal fat, and no variation in body weight after chronic treatment. Furthermore, a reduction in hyperactivity was detected in Apocynin-treated male Fmr1-KO mice. Additionally, the higher dose of 30 mg/kg/day also improves behaviour and learning in the male Fmr1-KO mice, normalising free radical production and oxidative parameters. Moreover, a reduction in phospho-EKR1 and P47-Phox protein signals was observed in specific brain areas. <b>Conclusions</b>: Thus, chronic treatment with Apocynin could lead to a new therapeutic option for the Fragile X Syndrome. |
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| ISSN: | 2227-9059 |