# 2,3,4-Trihydroxybenzophenone Disassembles Amyloid β Aggregates and Ameliorates Synaptic Deficits

## TL;DR

This study shows that a small molecule called THB can break down harmful amyloid beta aggregates linked to Alzheimer's disease and improve brain function in mice.

## Contribution

The study introduces THB as a novel low-molecular-weight compound that inhibits and disassembles amyloid β aggregates in vitro and in vivo.

## Key findings

- THB inhibited Aβ1–42 aggregation and disassembled preformed fibrils in a concentration-dependent manner.
- THB reduced amyloid pathology and neuroinflammation in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.
- THB improved synaptic function and memory performance in Alzheimer's disease models.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder for which no disease-modifying therapy that halts or substantially slows disease progression is currently available. Although antibody therapies targeting amyloid β (Aβ) have recently received FDA approval, their high cost, limited efficacy, and potential adverse effects highlight the need for alternative solutions. Therefore, the development of low-molecular-weight compounds capable of reducing toxic Aβ aggregates is of considerable interest. In this study, we investigated the effects of 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzophenone (THB) on the inhibition and disassembly of Aβ1–42 aggregates through in vitro and in vivo experiments. Methods: In vitro assays were performed to evaluate the effects of THB on Aβ1–42 aggregation and fibril disassembly. Cell viability assays and hippocampal slice electrophysiology were conducted to assess neurotoxicity and synaptic function. In vivo effects were examined in Aβ1–42 aggregate-injected mice and in 5 Familial AD mutations (5XFAD) mice using behavioral, histological, and electrophysiological analyses. Results: THB inhibited Aβ1–42 aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner and promoted the disassembly of preformed fibrils. THB attenuated Aβ1–42-induced Neuro2a cell death and restored Aβ1–42 aggregate-associated long-term potentiation (LTP) deficits in hippocampal slices. In Aβ1–42 aggregate-injected and 5XFAD mice, THB reduced amyloid pathology and neuroinflammatory markers and improved synaptic function and memory performance. Conclusions: These findings suggest that THB modulates pathogenic Aβ1–42 assemblies and provides a structural basis for the development of small-molecule modulators of Aβ1–42 aggregation with potential preventive or disease-modifying applications in AD.