Delphinidin Ameliorates Beta-Amyloid-Induced Neurotoxicity by Inhibiting Calcium Influx and Tau Hyperphosphorylation

Abstract

Beta-amyloid (A beta) has been suggested to induce neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease. We evaluated the neuroprotective effects of delphinidin, an anthocyanidin commonly present in pigmented fruits and vegetables, against A beta-induced toxicity. A beta (25-35) significantly decreased the viability of PC12 cells, and this was accompanied by an increase in intracellular calcium levels and tau phosphorylation. However, treatment with delphinidin rescued PC12 cells from A beta by attenuating the elevation of intracellular calcium levels and tau phosphorylation. Taken together, these results suggest that delphinidin protects PC12 cells against A beta-induced toxicity by attenuating intracellular calcium influx and tau hyperphosphorylation.