Memory impairment in the D2.mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy is prevented by the adiponectin receptor agonist ALY688

Abstract

Abstract Memory impairments have been well documented in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood, and there is an unmet need to develop new therapies to treat this condition. Using a novel object recognition test, we show that recognition memory impairments in D2.mdx mice are completely prevented by daily treatment with the new adiponectin receptor agonist ALY688 from day 7 to 28 of age. In comparison to age‐matched wild‐type mice, untreated D2.mdx mice demonstrated lower hippocampal mitochondrial respiration (carbohydrate substrate), greater serum interleukin‐6 cytokine content and greater hippocampal total tau and Raptor protein contents. Each of these measures was partly or fully preserved after treatment with ALY688. Collectively, these results indicate that adiponectin receptor agonism improves recognition memory in young D2.mdx mice.

Keywords

• cognition
• Duchenne muscular dystrophy
• memory
• mitochondria