**-  Beltsville  \ BARC 
-  Human Nutrition 
-  Diet, Genomics and Immunology Lab 
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**Location: Diet, Genomics and Immunology Lab**
**2007 Annual Report**
**1a.Objectives (from AD-416)**													The primary objective of this work is to determine if compounds found in cinnamon protect neurons from amyloid beta toxicity-a model of Alzheimer's disease.						
**1b.Approach  (from AD-416)**													Primary rat cortical neuronal cultures (12 DIV) will be treated with AB 25-35 (25-50um) for 24 hours with or without the cinnamon extract 0.05 - 0.25 mg/ml).  Doses have been chosen based on our earlier published studies of cinnamon extract in rat epididymal adipocytes and tumor cell lines.  At the end of the treatment, neurons will be processed for viability by measuring the release of lactate dehydrogenase into the media, using an LDH assay kit (Biovision, Mountain View, CA).  We will also determine if cinnamon extract can protect against AB-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, namely depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential and opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore.  In addition, we will determine whether the cinnamon extract exerts its protective effects by activating the insulin signaling pathway by measuring protein levels of total and phosphorylated Akt by western blots.  These studies are designed to evaluate the link between insulin, polyphenols from cinnamon, and Alzheimer's disease. 
We have isolated and characterized components found in cinnamon that improve the function of insulin.  Recently, Alzheimer's disease was shown to be associated with decreased insulin sensitivity.  In this study, we will determine if polyphenols found in cinnamon decrease risk factors associated Alzheimer's disease in a cell culture model and determine the link of insulin potentiating polyphenols found in cinnamon and Alzheimer's disease.						
**3.Progress Report**													This report documents research conducted under a Trust agreement between ARS and the Diabetes Action Research and Education Foundation.  Additional details of research can be found in the report for the in-house associated project, 1235-51520-037-00D, "Chromium and Polyphenols from Cinnamon in the Prevention and Alleviation of Glucose Intolerance".  
Alzheimer’s disease has been shown to be associated with decreased insulin sensitivity and has been referred to by some as type 3 diabetes.  The ARS scientists have shown that polyphenols from cinnamon not only increase insulin sensitivity, but also, in in vitro studies, inhibit beta-amyloid aggregation, a critical step in Alzheimer’s disease. This study is designed to determine the role of cinnamon polyphenols in beta-amyloid aggregation, and also insulin signaling.  A scientist has been hired and studies have been initiated. Conference calls were held on a bi-monthly basis and on-site visits by the Cooperative Research Agreement partner and investors were held throughout the year.						
    Project TeamAnderson, Richard  
Project Annual Reports FY 2009 FY 2008 FY 2007 
Related National Programs Human Nutrition(107)  							Last Modified: 05/02/2010 		ARS Home |USDA.gov |Site Map |Policies and Links FOIA |Accessibility Statement |Privacy Policy |Nondiscrimination Statement |Information Quality |USA.gov |White House

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