KIT-13, a novel plasmalogen derivative, attenuates neuroinflammation and amplifies cognition

• Published in: Frontiers in cell and developmental biology Vol. 12; p. 1443536
• Main Authors: Hossain, Md Shamim, Mawatari, Shiro, Honsho, Masanori, Okauchi, Tatsuo, Fujino, Takehiko
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland Frontiers Media S.A 02.09.2024
• Subjects: Alzheimer’s disease; Cell and Developmental Biology; cognitive enhancement; neurogenesis; neuroinflammation; plasmalogen derivative; neurogenesis; Alzheimer’s disease; neuroinflammation; cognitive enhancement; plasmalogen derivative
• ISSN: 2296-634X; 2296-634X
• DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1443536

Plasmalogens (Pls) are specialized phospholipids integral to brain health, whose decline due to aging and stress contributes to cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation. This study explores the potential of a novel Pls derivative, KIT-13 (1-O-octadecyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphoethanolamine), in mitigating neuroinflammation and enhancing cognition. When administered to mice, KIT-13 exhibited potent memory enhancement attributed to upregulated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key player in cognitive processes. experiments with neuronal cells revealed KIT-13's ability to induce robust cellular signaling, surpassing natural plasmalogens. KIT-13 also promoted neurogenesis and inhibited apoptosis of neuronal-like cells, highlighting its potential in fostering neuronal growth and plasticity. Additionally, KIT-13 treatments reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and attenuated glial activation in the brain. KIT-13's superior efficacy over natural Pls positions it as a promising therapeutic candidate for neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, characterized by cognitive decline and neuroinflammation. This study presents KIT-13 as an innovative approach for addressing cognitive impairment and neuroinflammatory pathologies.