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Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains are histologically marked by the presence of intracellular and extracellular amyloid deposits, which characterize the onset of the disease pathogenesis. Increasing evidence suggests that certain nutrients exert a direct or indirect effect on amyloid β (Aβ)-peptide production and accumulation and, consequently, on AD pathogenesis. We exploited the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster model of AD to evaluate in vivo the beneficial properties of Lisosan G, a fermented powder obtained from organic whole grains, on the intracellular Aβ-42 peptide accumulation and related pathological phenotypes of AD. Our data showed that the Lisosan G-enriched diet attenuates the production of neurotoxic Aβ peptides in fly brains and reduces neuronal apoptosis. Notably, Lisosan G exerted anti-oxidant effects, lowering brain levels of reactive oxygen species and enhancing mitochondrial activity. These aspects paralleled the increase in autophagy turnover and the inhibition of nucleolar stress. Our results give support to the use of the Drosophila model not only to investigate the molecular genetic bases of neurodegenerative disease but also to rapidly and reliably test the efficiency of potential therapeutic agents and diet regimens.

A detailed knowledge of the status of the retina in neurodegenerative conditions is a crucial point for the development of therapeutics in retinal pathologies and to translate eye research to CNS disease. In this context, manipulating signaling pathways that lead to neuronal regeneration offers an excellent opportunity to substitute damaged cells and, thus, restore the tissue functionality. Alternative systems and methods are increasingly being considered to replace/reduce in vivo approaches in the study of retina pathophysiology. Herein, we present recent data obtained from the zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster that bring promising advantages into studying and modeling, at a preclinical level, neurodegeneration and regenerative approaches in retinal diseases. Indeed, the regenerative ability of vertebrate model zebrafish is particularly appealing. In addition, the fruit fly is ideal for regenerative studies due to its high degree of conservation with vertebrates and the broad spectrum of genetic variants achievable. Furthermore, a large part of the drosophila brain is dedicated to sight, thus offering the possibility of studying common mechanisms of the visual system and the brain at once. The knowledge acquired from these alternative models may help to investigate specific well-conserved factors of interest in human neuroregeneration after injuries or during pathologies.