EGB761 ameliorates mild cognitive impairment by inhibiting the pyroptosis and apoptosis in both in vivo and in vitro experiments

Abstract Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a neurodegenerative condition that is clinically prevalent among the elderly. EGB761 is widely recognized for its promising therapeutic properties in both the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of EGB761 in MCI and the underlying molecular mechanism. Four‐month‐old SAMP8 mice were used as an in vivo MCI model, and BV2 microglial cells were treated with β‐amyloid (Aβ) 1–42 to establish an in vitro model. First, the cognitive function was evaluated by the Morris water maze. Then, Aβ levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Finally, the underlying molecular mechanism was investigated both in vivo and in vitro. It was found that EGB761 treatment improved the cognitive impairment of SAMP8 mice. In addition, EGB761 inhibited NOD‐like receptor protein 3 inflammasome‐mediated pyroptosis‐related mRNAs and proteins and reduced pyroptosis markers, including gasdermin D fluorescence intensity, propidium iodide‐positive cell count, and the lactate dehydrogenase content. Furthermore, EGB761 inhibited extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis. Thus, EGB761 had protective effects against pyroptosis and apoptosis in BV2 microglial cells induced by Aβ1‐42 and SAMP8 mice.