Pyridoindole SMe1EC2 as cognition enhancer in ageing-related cognitive decline

Synthetic pyridoindole-type substances derived from the lead compound stobadine represent promising agents in treatment of a range of pathologies including neurological disorders. The beneficial biological effects were suggested to be likely associated with their capacity to ameliorate oxidative damage.

In our study, the effect of supplementation with the derivative of stobadine, SMe1EC2, on ageing-related cognitive decline in rats was investigated. The 20-months-old male Wistar rats were administered SMe1EC2 at a low dose, 0.5 mg/kg, daily during eight weeks. Morris water maze test was performed to assess the spatial memory performances. The cell-based assays of capacity of SMe1EC2 to modulate proinflammatory generation of oxidants by microglia were also performed.

The rats treated with SMe1EC2 showed significantly increased path efficiency, significantly shorter time interval of successful trials and exerted also notably lower frequencies of clockwise rotations in the pool compared to non-supplemented aged animals. Mildly improved parameters included test durations, distances to reach the platform, time in periphery of the pool and overall rotations in the water maze. However, the pyridoindole SMe1EC2 did not show profound inhibitory effect on production of nitric oxide and superoxide by activated microglial cells.

In conclusion, our study suggests that pyridoindole SMe1EC2, at low doses administered chronically, can act as cognition enhancing agent in aged rats. The protective mechanism less likely involves direct modulation of proinflammatory and prooxidant state of microglia, the prominent mediators of neurotoxicity in brain ageing and neurodegeneration.