Vitamin a modulates neurogenesis-associated pathways and cholinergic signaling in Alzheimer’s disease: potential role of reactive astrocytes via NGN2/SOX-11 and SIRT-1

Abstract

Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder lacking effective disease-modifying therapies. A promising regenerative approach involves enhancing endogenous neurogenic capacity within the injured brain. Reactive astrocytes—stellate-like cells in the AD brain—may contribute to a pro-neurogenic environment through transcription factors (TFs) such as neurogenin 2 (NGN2) and SOX-11. This process is tightly regulated by epigenetic mechanisms, particularly SIRT-1, a neuroprotective histone deacetylase that modulates TF activity and neuronal fate. Vitamin A (V A ), a key regulator of differentiation and epigenetic remodeling via its active metabolite retinoic acid, is stored in astrocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). We hypothesized that AD-related astrocyte activation depletes cerebral V A , mobilizes hepatic stores, contributes to liver fibrosis, and that V A supplementation may restore astrocytic function, activate endogenous TFs via SIRT-1, and drive cholinergic neuron regeneration. In a scopolamine (SCO)-induced AD rat model, V A biodistribution was traced using confocal microscopy. Brain and liver V A deficiency were confirmed via retinol-binding protein (RBP) and ALDH1A1 expressions. Rats received V A (1500, 3000, or 4500 IU/kg/day) or donepezil. Outcomes included neurogenesis (DCX), NGN2/SOX-11 expression, SIRT-1 activation, cholinergic regeneration, amyloid-β deposition, and serum tau. Liver fibrosis was assessed via TGF-β, hydroxyproline and histopathologically. AD induced systemic V A depletion and liver fibrosis. Medium-dose V A (VAMD) significantly enhanced neurogenesis, TF expression, SIRT-1 activation, cholinergic regeneration, and reversed liver fibrosis. VAMD demonstrated neuroregenerative and antifibrotic effects, indicating a possible therapeutic role in AD.