Effects of the Aphanizomenon flos-aquae Extract (Klamin®) on a Neurodegeneration Cellular Model

D Nuzzo,C Mannino,M Di Carlo,P Picone,S Giuliano,V Gambino,G Galizzi,E Gulotta,S Scoglio,G Presti

doi:10.1155/2018/9089016

Abstract

Cyanobacteria have been recognized as a source of bioactive molecules to be employed in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and functional foods. An extract of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA), commercialized as Klamin®, was subjected to chemical analysis to determine its compounds. The AFA extract Klamin® resulted to be nontoxic, also at high doses, when administered onto LAN5 neuronal cells. Its scavenging properties against ROS generation were evaluated by using DCFH-DA assay, and its mitochondrial protective role was determined by JC-1 and MitoSOX assays. Klamin® exerts a protective role against beta amyloid- (Aβ-) induced toxicity and against oxidative stress. Anti-inflammatory properties were demonstrated by NFβB nuclear localization and activation of IL-6 and IL-1β inflammatory cytokines through ELISA. Finally, by using thioflavin T (ThT) and fluorimetric measures, we found that Klamin® interferes with Aβ aggregation kinetics, supporting the formation of smaller and nontoxic structures compared to toxic Aβ aggregates alone. Altogether, these data indicate that the AFA extract may play a protective role against mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration.

Highlights

Blue-green algae, including Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA), are unicellular prokaryotic microorganism belonging to the Cyanobacteria (Cyanophyta) phylum
By using thioflavin T (ThT) and fluorimetric measures, we found that Klamin® interferes with Aβ aggregation kinetics, supporting the formation of smaller and nontoxic structures compared to toxic Aβ aggregates alone
We investigate some biological properties of Klamin®’s compounds, evaluating the possibility to use it as a dietary supplement playing a protective role against neurodegenerative disease

Summary

Introduction

Blue-green algae, including Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA), are unicellular prokaryotic microorganism belonging to the Cyanobacteria (Cyanophyta) phylum. These bacteria are among the oldest life forms, are the only microorganisms to achieve oxygenic photosynthesis, and probably have been the main biotic source of oxygen on early Earth [1]. Upper Klamath Lake is an ideal natural ecosystem, in which the AFA microalga finds the perfect conditions that allow its proliferation, especially between late summer and early fall, while going quiescent in the winter. Being placed at 1300 meters of height, in the winter, the lake freezes over, a condition which stimulates the production of fatty acids, including omega 3, by the AFA microalgae. B12 deficiency can cause a series of more or less severe nervous system-associated symptoms [9, 10]

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