Exploring nose-to-brain insulin delivery as a new strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

A growing body of evidence shows that Insulin, Insulin Receptor (IR) and IR signaling are involved in brain cognitive functions and their dysfunction is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) degeneration. Thus, administration of insulin could be a strategy for AD treatment. For this aim we designed, synthesized and characterized a nanogel system (NG) to deliver insulin to the brain, as a tool for the development of a new therapy for AD. A carboxyl-functionalized poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) nanogel system produced by high energy ionizing radiation was chosen as substrate for the covalent attachment of insulin or fluorescent molecules, relevant for its tracing