Ameliorative role of antioxidant supplementation on sodium-arsenite induced adverse effects on the developing rat cerebellum

Abstract

Background Arsenic is an environmental contaminant of global concern. Consumption of ground water contaminated with inorganic arsenic (iAs) continues to be the major source of its exposure. The developing nervous system is especially vulnerable to environmental insults due to its higher rate of oxygen consumption and provision of weaker antioxidant (AOX) machinery. Objective Since oxidative stress has been reported as one of the major factors underlying iAs induced toxicity, the aim of the present study is to study the effect of two AOXs i.e., Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) and Curcumin (Cur) in developing cerebellum of rats exposed to arsenic during postnatal period. Materials and Methods The study was carried out on mother reared neonatal rat pups grouped as normal (Ia) and sham (vehicle) controls (Ib,c,d), while the experimental groups IIa/ IIb received sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) [(1.5/2.5 mg/kg body weight (bw)] alone or along with ALA (70 mg/kg bw)- IIIa/ IIIb or along with Cur (150 mg/kg bw)- IVa/ IVb. Behavioural, biochemical and immunohistochemical procedures were carried out to understand the underlying mechanisms. Results The observations indicated deficits in locomotor function, accumulation of iAs, increased levels of oxidative stress markers along with downregulation of the expression of proteins closely associated with synaptic functioning (Synaptophysin and Postsynaptic density protein95) in the cerebellum of iAs treated animals. Substantial recovery in all these parameters was observed in AOX co-treated groups. Conclusion Our results support the potential of ALA and Cur in amelioration of iAs induced developmental neurotoxicity. ALA and Cur can be proposed as dietary adjuvants amongst populations inhabiting areas with high iAs contamination as a safe and cost effective antidotes.

The effects of curcumin in learning and memory impairment associated with hypothyroidism in juvenile rats: the role of nitric oxide, oxidative stress, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor

“…Thus, it seems that the improving effects of Cur on learning and memory are at least in part mediated by its antioxidant effects. Similar to our results, it was previously reported that Cur affected oxidative stress indicators in the cerebellum of the sodium-arsenite exposed rats during the development period (Kaushal et al , 2020). Also, the neuroprotective effect of Cur has been suggested to be related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (Tsuda, 2018).…”

“…In addition, in recent studies, Cur in doses near the higher doses, including 100 and 150 mg/kg, which was used in the present study, improved the behavioral impairment in animal models induced by cadmium, diazepam, and D-galactose (Banji et al , 2014; Sevastre-Berghian and Făgărăsan, 2017; Namgyal et al , 2020). The protective effects of Cur on CNS functions, including learning and memory, have been suggested to be related to its protection against brain tissue oxidative damage (Banji et al , 2014; Sevastre-Berghian and Făgărăsan, 2017; Kaushal et al , 2020). In this study, Cur administration was dose-dependently accompanied by a decrease in both hippocampal and cortical MDA and an increase in thiol concentration and activities of CAT/SOD.…”

“…Curcumin (Cur), as a component of Turmeric ( Curcuma longa L., Zingiberaceae), has been widely considered for its antioxidant effects during the last decade (Jena et al , 2012; Tsuda, 2018; Kaushal et al , 2020) . Curcuma longa is used as a spice and coloring in foods, and it is popular in South Asia, India, and Japan (Tsuda, 2018; Abdullah et al , 2020).…”

Ayurveda for Modern Obstetrics

“…Fresh foods including spinach and broccoli and the turmeric in warm spiced golden milk provide dietary alpha-lipoic acid and curcumin that have been demonstrated to protect rat fetuses from central nervous system damage associated with arsenic that contaminates groundwater in some parts of the world. 15 Nourishing herbs can also be used when the fetus is not growing appropriately. There is some data to suggest that women diagnosed with upavistaka, or fetal growth restriction, can be treated with Shatavari (A. racemosus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), and Bala (Sida cordifolia) to improve fetal growth.…”

“…In addition to desensitizing a pregnant woman’s nervous system, there is evolving basic science information that supports a nourishing diet as a means of ameliorating toxin-induced teratogenicity. Fresh foods including spinach and broccoli and the turmeric in warm spiced golden milk provide dietary alpha-lipoic acid and curcumin that have been demonstrated to protect rat fetuses from central nervous system damage associated with arsenic that contaminates groundwater in some parts of the world 15…”