Neuroprotective mechanisms of multitarget 7-aminophenanthridin-6(5H)-one derivatives against metal-induced amyloid proteins generation and aggregation.

Brain's metals accumulation is associated with toxic proteins, like amyloid-proteins (Aβ), formation, accumulation, and aggregation, leading to neurodegeneration. Metals downregulate the correct folding, disaggregation, or degradation mechanisms of toxic proteins, as heat shock proteins (HSPs) and proteasome. The 7-amino-phenanthridin-6(5H)-one derivatives (APH) showed neuroprotective effects against metal-induced cell death through their antioxidant effect, independently of their chelating activity. However, additional neuroprotective mechanisms seem to be involved. We tested the most promising APH compounds (APH1-5, 10-100 μM) chemical ability to prevent metal-induced Aβ proteins aggregation; the APH1-5 effect on HSP70 and proteasome 20S (P20S) expression, the metals effect on Aβ formation and the involvement of HSP70 and P20S in the process, and the APH1-5 neuroprotective effects against Aβ proteins (1 μM) and metals in SN56 cells. Our results show that APH1-5 compounds chemically avoid metal-induced Aβ proteins aggregation and induce HSP70 and P20S expression. Additionally, iron and cadmium induced Aβ proteins formation through downregulation of HSP70 and P20S. Finally, APH1-5 compounds protected against Aβ proteins-induced neuronal cell death, reversing partially or completely this effect. These data may help to provide a new therapeutic approach against the neurotoxic effect induced by metals and other environmental pollutants, especially when mediated by toxic proteins.