Inhibiting microRNA-142–5p improves learning and memory in Alzheimer’s disease rats via targeted regulation of the PTPN1-mediated Akt pathway

•Overexpressed miR-142–5p and down-regulated PTPN1 exhibited in AD.•MiR-142–5p/PTPN1 regulates spatial learning and memory in AD rats.•Down-regulated miR-142–5p inhibited the apoptosis of brain neurons in AD rats.•MiR-142–5p regulated PTPN1 to activate AKT pathway, playing an anti-AD role.•This study provides a theoretical basis for AD treatment.