Masitinib attenuates neuropathological changes in acrolein-induced sAD mouse model via NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway

Abstract

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a global health crisis, with sporadic AD (sAD) accounting for more than 95 % of all cases. The lack of effective disease-modifying therapies for sAD, driven by its complex pathogenesis involving genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, underscores the urgent need for novel treatments. Masitinib, an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor originally developed for cancer treatment, has shown potential to regulate mast cells and neuroinflammation, making it a promising candidate against AD. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of masitinib (60 mg/kg/day) in acrolein-induced sAD mouse model. A comprehensive series of behavioral tests, including the buried food pellet tests, Morris water maze, Y-maze, open field, and elevated plus maze, along with Western blot, immunofluorescence and Golgi-Cox staining were used to evaluate pathological changes. The results showed that masitinib significantly improved acrolein-induced olfactory deficits, cognitive dysfunction, particularly in learning and memory, and anxiety-like behaviors. Additionally, masitinib not only reduced p-Tau levels, increased PSD95 expression and restored dendritic spine density, but also suppressed neuroinflammation by inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3/caspase-1 inflammatory pathway and microglial activation. These findings demonstrate that masitinib, for the first time, attenuates sAD pathology through dual mechanisms of cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection. Our study provides strong preclinical evidence to support further clinical development of masitinib as a disease-modifying therapy for sAD.