Effects of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae extract (Klamin®) on a neurodegeneration cellular model

Cyanobacteria have been recognized as a source of bioactive molecules to be employed in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and functional foods. An extract of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA), commercialized as Klamin®, was subjected to chemical analysis to determine its compounds. The AFA extract Klamin® resulted to be nontoxic, also at high doses, when administered onto LAN5 neuronal cells. Its scavenging properties against ROS generation were evaluated by using DCFH-DA assay, and its mitochondrial protective role was determined by JC-1 and MitoSox assays. Klamin® exerts a protective role against beta amyloid (A?) induced toxicity and against oxidative stress. Anti-inflammatory properties were demonstrated by NF?B nuclear localization and activation of IL-6, IL-1? inflammatory cytokines through ELISA assay. Finally, by using Thioflavin-T (ThT) and fluorimetric measures we found that Klamin® interferes with A? aggregation kinetics, supporting the formation of smaller and non-toxic structures compared to toxic A? aggregates alone. All together these data indicate that the AFA extract may play a protective role against mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration.