Title : Investigating the therapeutic potential of moringa oleifera bioactive compounds in NF-κB-mediated autism pathogenesis
Abstract:
Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-κB) is a key regulator of inflammation and apoptosis implicated in the pathogenesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Aberrant NF-κB activation has been observed in the brain, particularly in microglia, and peripheral blood of individuals with ASD, contributing to neuroinflammation and affecting neuronal function, cell survival, and synaptic plasticity. This study investigates the potential neuroprotective effects of Moringa oleifera leaf aqueous extract on NF-κB-associated pathways in ASD. Qualitative analysis and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds in the extract, including alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, proteins/amino acids, glycosides, reducing sugars, alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, undecanoic acid, and vitamin E. In silico studies suggest that these constituents may target NF-κB-related biomarkers such as glycogen synthase kinase-3, COX-1, COX-2, and cytokine receptor complexes, potentially exerting neuroprotective effects. The involvement of NF-κB in ASD pathogenesis highlights its potential as a therapeutic target, and the bioactive compounds in Moringa oleifera leaf extract may offer a promising approach to address the underlying inflammatory processes. However, further research is needed to elucidate the causal relationship between NF-κB activation and ASD and to explore the efficacy of Moringa oleifera leaf extract as a potential treatment for this neurodevelopmental disorder.
