Title:Concentration-dependent Effects of Dietary L-Ascorbic Acid Fortification in the Brains of Healthy Mice
Volume: 21
Issue: 2
Author(s): Anthony T. Olofinnade, Adejoke Y. Onaolapo*Olakunle J. Onaolapo
Affiliation:
- Behavioural Neuroscience/Neurobiology Unit, Department of Anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State,Nigeria
Keywords:
Apoptosis, cognition, inflammation, micronutrient fortification, neurobehaviour, L-ascorbic acid.
Abstract:
Background: Ascorbic acid (AA) is a water-soluble vitamin that is concentrated in the
brain in large quantities. There have been reports that it is essential for proper brain functioning.
However, there is insufficient information on the possible effects of dietary fortification with AA
on the health of the brain.
Objective: This study examined the effects of dietary fortification of rodent chow with AA on
neurobehaviour, antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation, and inflammatory/apoptotic markers in the
brain of healthy mice.
Methods: Mice were randomly assigned into four groups of ten animals each. Groups were normal
control [fed rodent chow], and three groups were fed AA-fortified chow at 100, 200, and 300
mg/kg of feed, respectively, for eight weeks. Behavioural tests {Open field, Y-maze, radial-arm
maze, and elevated plus maze (EPM)} were carried out on day 57. Twenty-four hours after the last
behavioural test, animals were euthanised, and the brains were excised and homogenised for assessment
of brain acetylcholinesterase activity, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant status, inflammatory
and apoptotic markers.
Results: Ascorbic acid fortified diet was associated with concentration-dependent changes in body
weight, open-field behaviours, working-memory, and anxiety indices. Also, brain levels of
malondialdehyde, caspase-3, and TNF-α decreased, while superoxide dismutase activity, total antioxidant
capacity, and IL-10 level increased.
Conclusion: Dietary AA fortification with concentrations up to 300 mg/kg of feed was associated
with sustained improvement in neurobehavioural and biochemical parameters in the brain of
healthy mice, reiterating additional health benefits of AA fortification beyond the prevention of
nutritional deficiencies.