# Early Molecular Biomarkers in an Amyloid-β-Induced Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease: Effects of Kelulut Honey

## TL;DR

This study identifies early molecular changes in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease and evaluates the effect of Kelulut honey on these biomarkers.

## Contribution

The study introduces hippocampal biomarkers for early detection of Alzheimer's in an Aβ-induced rat model.

## Key findings

- Hippocampal Aβ1-42 and phosphorylated tau levels were significantly elevated in diseased rats.
- Inflammatory markers MCP-1 and NF-κB p65 showed changes in hippocampal tissue.
- Serum biomarkers showed limited sensitivity to early disease changes.

## Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide, characterized by progressive neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Early diagnosis remains critical for enabling timely intervention. However, detecting the earliest pathological changes is challenging due to the limited availability of reliable biomarkers that reflect early disease pathology in experimental models. This study evaluated molecular markers associated with AD-related processes in a rat model inoculated with human amyloid β (Aβ)1-42 peptides. We assessed the levels of biomarkers: Aβ1-42, Aβ42, phosphorylated tau, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB p65) and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) in hippocampal tissue and serum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A treatment group receiving Kelulut honey was included to evaluate biomarker responsiveness. Results showed significant elevation in hippocampal Aβ1-42 and phosphorylated tau in diseased rats, with changes in inflammatory markers MCP-1 and NF-κB p65, whereas no significant change was observed in oxidative stress marker SOD1. Serum levels of Aβ1-42 and MCP-1 did not differ significantly between groups, indicating limited peripheral sensitivity after a month of disease induction. These findings suggest that amyloid-, tau-, and inflammation-related markers in hippocampal tissue may be informative for early pathological changes in this acute model, while serum markers showed limited sensitivity.