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DARU Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
2010;18(2) : 128-136
 
Original Article
An investigation of the neuroprotective effects of Curcumin in a model of Homocysteine - induced oxidative stress in the rat's brain

 

1,2Ataie A., *1,2Sabetkasaei M., 1Haghparast A., 3Hajizadeh Moghaddam A., 4Ataie R., 1Nasiraei Moghaddam Sh.

1Neuroscience Research Center, M.C., 2Departments of Pharmacology, Shahid Beheshti University, M.C. Tehran, 3Departments of Biology, Mazandaran University, Babolsar, 4Departments of Pharmacology, Tehran University, of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.

Corresponding Author:
 

 

Sabetkasaei M

Received:August 26,2009
Accepted: December 20,2009
Available online:June 19,2010
Abstract:

 

Background and the purpose of the study: Aging is the major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases and oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of them. Oxidative stress can induce neuronal damages and modulate intracellular signaling, ultimately leading to neuronal death by apoptosis or necrosis. In this study, the possible antioxidant and neuroprotective properties of the natural polyphenolic antioxidant compound, curcumin against homocysteine (Hcy) neurotoxicity was investigated.

Methods:

Curcumin (5, 15, 45 mg/kg) was injected intraperitonealy (i.p.) once daily for a period of 10 days beginning 5 days prior to Hcy (0.2 μmol/μl) intracerebroventricular (i.c.v) injection in rats. Biochemical and behavioral studies, including passive avoidance learning and locomotor activity tests were studied 24 hrs after the last curcumin or its vehicle injection. The cell density of hippocampus layers and apoptosis in rats' hippocampi by immunohistochical methods were also studied.

Results and major conclusion:Results indicated that Hcy could induce lipid peroxidation and increase Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Super Oxide Anion (SOA) levels in rat's brain.Additionally, Hcy impaired memory retention in passive avoidance learning test. However, curcumin decreased MDA and SOA levels significantly and improved learning and memory in rats. On the other hand Hcy could induce cell death and apoptosis in rats' hippocampi which was inhibited by curcumin. These results suggest that Hcy may induce lipid peroxidation in rat's brain. and polyphenol treatment (curcumin) improves learning and memory deficits by protecting the nervous system against Oxidative stress.

Keywords:
Curcumin ،  Homocysteine ،  Lipid peroxidation ،  Oxidative stress
Permanent Link: http://journals.tums.ac.ir/abs/15755
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