Title:Neuroprotective Effect of Fucoxanthin against Intracerebroventricular Streptozotocin (ICV-STZ) Induced Cognitive Impairment in Experimental Rats
Volume: 18
Issue: 8
Author(s): Mahadev Dhami, Khadga Raj and Shamsher Singh*
Affiliation:
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab 142001,India
Keywords:
Fucoxanthin, STZ, cytokines, neurotransmitters, acetylcholinesterase, Alzheimer's disease.
Abstract:
Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological disorder characterized by loss
of memory and cognitive functions caused by oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, change in neurotransmitter
levels, and excessive deposition of Aβ(1-42) plaques. Fucoxanthin is a carotenoid with potential
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective actions.
Objective: In the present study, fucoxanthin was employed as a protective strategy in Intracerebroventricular
Streptozotocin (ICV-STZ) induced experimental model of cognitive impairment.
Methods: STZ was injected twice ICV (3 mg/kg) on alternate days 1 and 3, and Wistar rats were
evaluated for the memory analysis using Morris water maze and elevated plus-maze. Fucoxanthin
at low 50 mg/kg, p.o. and high dose 100 mg/kg, p.o. was administered for 14 days. All animals
were sacrificed on day 29, and brain hippocampus tissue after isolation was used for biochemical
(MDA, nitrite, GSH, SOD and Catalase), neuroinflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), neurotransmitters
(ACh, GABA Glutamate), Aβ(1-42) and Tau protein measurements.
Results: STZ-infused rats showed significant impairment in learning and memory, increased oxidative
stress (MDA, nitrite), reduced antioxidant defense (GSH, SOD and Catalase), promoted cytokine
release, and change in neurotransmitters level. However, fucoxanthin improved cognitive
functions, restored antioxidant levels, reduced inflammatory markers dose-dependently, and restored
neurotransmitters concentration.
Conclusion: The finding of the current study suggests that fucoxanthin could be the promising
compound for improving cognitive functions through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective
mechanisms, and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activities, Aβ(1-42) accumulation,
and tau protein.