Systematic review of curcumin-based optical imaging for amyloid-β detection in Alzheimer’s disease models

Kimia  Safavian; Mohsen  Cheki; Sahel  Heydarheydari

doi:10.18502/cjn.v24i2.20693

Kimia Safavian Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Mohsen Cheki Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Sahel Heydarheydari Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/cjn.v24i2.20693

Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease; Amyloid-Beta; Optical Imaging; Curcumin; Fluorescent Probes; Preclinical

Abstract

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaque accumulation and cognitive decline. Early and precise Aβ detection is vital for effective therapeutic intervention. Curcumin-based fluorescent probes offer high specificity, non-invasive imaging compatibility, and deep tissue penetration, making them promising tools for optical Aβ imaging. This systematic review evaluates preclinical studies on curcumin-based fluorescent probes to assess their photophysical properties, imaging capabilities, and potential applications in detecting Aβ plaques in mouse models of AD.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed and ScienceDirect (2000-2024). Eligible studies were original English-language articles using curcumin-based probes for optical imaging of Aβ in Alzheimer’s mouse models. Data extraction focused on imaging parameters such as binding affinity [dissociation constant (Kd)], emission wavelength, quantum yield, fluorescence enhancement, and delivery methods.

Results: Thirteen preclinical studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. CRANAD-102 probe showed the highest binding affinity (Kd = 7.5 nM) while CRANAD-3 achieved the most significant fluorescence intensity (39.5-fold). Emission wavelengths averaged 690 nm, with longer wavelengths facilitating deeper tissue imaging. Quantum yields ranged from 0.011 to 0.40, with the highest yield (20.31) observed in CH₂Cl₂and effective doses averaging 2.0 mg/kg.

Innovative delivery methods, such as aerosolized formulations and micelle-based probes, expanded diagnostic applications, including non-invasive retinal imaging.

Conclusion: Curcumin-based fluorescent probes exhibit high specificity for Aβ aggregates, effective deep tissue imaging, and non-invasive delivery potential, making them promising tools for preclinical Alzheimer’s diagnostics. However, their clinical translation requires further validation in standardized preclinical and translational studies.