(P22-002-25) Potential of Sulforaphane Supplementation for Alzheimer's Disease and Traumatic Brain Injury in Drosophila Melanogaster

Objectives: Sulforaphane (SFN) is a potent phytochemical derived from cruciferous vegetables that protects from oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction are common features of neurodegenerative diseases and brain injury. We hypothesize that SFN may mitigate these cellular processes and improve the physiological outcomes in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI), using Drosophila Melanogaster models.

Methods: Adult transgenic flies expressing varied pathogenic forms of human Amyloid β (Aβ40, Aβ42) to induce AD were used. Female flies were treated with and without SFN in their diet (3.125 mg SFN / mL of food). In the TBI experiments, wild type flies were treated with and without SFN prior to hit injury.  Memory and decision making were tested using the choice assay. Expression of targeted genes in antioxidant response and inflammatory pathways will be conducted using qPCR.

Results: Mass spectrometry revealed the flies can absorb and metabolize SFN from their diets in similar concentrations and distribution as humans. SFN treatment improved memory in Aβ40 expressing flies but had no effect on memory in the more pathogenic Aβ42 flies.  Like in humans, HIT injury causes activation of innate immunity (inflammation, oxidative stress, and autophagy) and the effect of SFN treatment on these parameters will be measured.

Conclusions: The beneficial effects of a low dose of SFN on memory and decision making in Aβ40 expressing flies may contribute to dietary interventions targeting cognitive function in neurodegenerative diseases. Overall, the study provides evidence for the potential of SFN consumption in mitigating cognitive decline in AD. Ongoing TBI experiments may provide support for a therapeutic potential of SFN in closed head trauma.

Funding Sources: Department of Defense, National Institute of Food and Agriculture- Multi-State, Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station.

The views and information presented are those of the authors and do not represent the official position of the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence, the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, or the Departments of Army, Department of Defense, or U.S. Government.