Stimulatory effects of microalgae on the secretion of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in 3T3-L1 fibroblasts

Abstract

Nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are important for the survival, maintenance and regeneration of specific neuronal populations in the adult brain. Depletion of these neurotrophic factors has been linked to diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Therefore, NGF and BDNF are considered to have preventive and/or therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative disease. The stimulatory effects of 13 microalgae, Arhrospira platensis, 2 strains of Nostoc flagelliforme, 2 strains of Nostoc commune, Nostochopsis lobatus, Chlorella pyrenoidosa, Dunaliella tertiolecta, Coelastrum sp., Desmodesmus sp., Euglena sp., Pleurochrysis carterae and Porphyridium purpureum on the secretion of NGF and BDNF in 3T3-L1 adipocytes were evaluated. Eleven microalgae, A. platensis, 2 strains of N. flagelliforme, 2 strains N. commune, N. lobatus, C. pyrenoidosa, Coelastrum sp., Desmodesmus sp., P. carterae and P. purpureum significantly increased NGF secretion. On the other hand, seven microalgae, 2 strains of N. flagelliforme, 2 strains N. commune, N. lobatus, C. pyrenoidosa and P. purpureum significantly increased BDNF secretion. These results suggested that some microalgae have preventive effects against neurodegenerative diseases.