Inhibition of amyloid‐induced toxicity by ergothioneine in a transgenic <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i> model

The abnormal accumulation of β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) is recognized as a central component in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. While many aspects of Aβ‐mediated neurotoxicity remain elusive, Aβ has been associated with numerous underlying pathologies, including oxidative and nitrosative stress, inflammation, metal ion imbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and even tau pathology. Ergothioneine (ET), a naturally occurring thiol/thione‐derivative of histidine, has demonstrated antioxidant and neuroprotective properties against various oxidative and neurotoxic stressors. This study investigates ET’s potential to counteract Aβ‐toxicity in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans overexpressing a human Aβ peptide. The accumulation of Aβ in this model leads to paralysis and premature death. We show that ET dose‐dependently reduces Aβ‐oligomerization and extends the lifespan and healthspan of the nematodes.