Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most pressing global health challenges, affecting approximately 55 million people worldwide, a number projected to reach 139 million by 2050. It is characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaque accumulation, tau hyperphosphorylation, and chronic neuroinflammation. Despite extensive research, current FDA approved therapies remain limited to symptomatic relief and do not halt disease progression. One of the major barriers to effective treatment is the blood–brain barrier (BBB), along with the poor bioavailability of promising therapeutic compounds such as curcumin.
To address these challenges, this study focuses on developing an exosome-based drug delivery system using exosomes derived from human adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Due to their biological origin, exosomes exhibit low immunogenicity and toxicity. Importantly, they can naturally cross the BBB, making them highly effective nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery.
Curcumin, a hydrophobic polyphenolic compound, has shown therapeutic potential in AD due to its ability to bind Aβ aggregates and abnormal tau proteins, as well as its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its clinical use is limited by poor solubility, instability, and low bioavailability. Loading curcumin into exosomes is expected to enhance its stability, improve its delivery efficiency, and increase its therapeutic impact.
In this study, curcumin-loaded exosomes (Exo-Cur) will be produced via ultracentrifugation and characterized using NTA, DLS, and FE-SEM. Their neuroprotective effects will be evaluated in an in vitro AD model using Aβ1-42-treated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. It is anticipated that this system will reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, suppress neuroinflammation, and protect against neuronal damage.
Overall, this approach aims to move beyond symptomatic treatment toward a disease modifying therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer’s disease, offering a promising and innovative platform for future neurodegenerative disease treatments.
İpek GÜREL
Research Assistant
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics
Haliç University,Istanbul,Türkiye