Epigallocatechin-3-gallate and curcumin suppress amyloid beta-induced beta-site APP cleaving enzyme-1 upregulation.

Beta-site APP cleaving enzyme-1 (BACE-1), is a rate-limiting enzyme for beta amyloid production. Beta amyloid induces the production of radical oxygen species and neuronal injury. Oxidative stress plays a key role in various neurological diseases such as ischemia and Alzheimer's disease. Recent studies suggest that oxidative stress induces BACE-1 protein upregulation in neuronal cells. Here, we demonstrate that naturally occurring compounds (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate and curcumin suppress beta amyloid-induced BACE-1 upregulation. Exposure of beta amyloid 1-42 to neuronal culture increased BACE-1 protein levels. (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate or curcumin significantly attenuated beta amyloid-induced radical oxygen species production and beta-sheet structure formation. These two compounds have novel pharmacological effects that may be beneficial for Alzheimer's disease treatment.