Title:Tolfenamic Acid: A Modifier of the Tau Protein and its Role in Cognition and Tauopathy
VOLUME: 15 ISSUE: 7
Author(s):Joanna K. Chang, Allison Leso, Gehad M. Subaiea, Asma Lahouel, Anwar Masoud, Foqia Mushtaq, Reem Deeb, Aseel Eid, Miriam Dash , Syed W. Bihaqi and Nasser H. Zawia*
Affiliation:Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Jijel University (ABH), Jijel, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, George and Anne Ryan Institute of Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
Keywords:Alzheimer's disease, tolfenamic acid, hTau mouse model, tauopathy, microtubule-associated protein Tau (MAPT),
dementia.
Abstract:Background: Tangles are deposits of hyperphosphorylated tau, which are found in multiple neurodegenerative
disorders that are referred to as tauopathies, of which Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most
common. Tauopathies are clinically characterized by dementia and share common cortical lesions composed of
aggregates of the protein tau.
Objective: In this study, we explored the therapeutic potential of tolfenamic acid (TA), in modifying disease
processes in a transgenic animal model that carries the human tau gene (hTau).
Methods: Behavioral tests, Western blotting and Immunohistochemical analysis were used to demonstrate the
efficacy of TA.
Results: Treatment of TA improved improving spatial learning deficits and memory impairments in young and
aged hTau mice. Western blot analysis of the hTau protein revealed reductions in total tau as well as in sitespecific
hyperphosphorylation of tau in response to TA administration. Immunohistochemical analysis for
phosphorylated tau protein revealed reduced staining in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum in animals
treated with TA.
Conclusion: TA holds the potential as a disease-modifying agent for the treatment of tauopathies including
AD.
