Curcumin alleviates restraint stress-induced learning and memory deficit and activity via modulation of biochemical, morphology changes, and apoptosis in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.

Abstract

Restraint stress indicated induction of morphology, biochemistry, and behavioral impairments. Several investigations have reported that curcumin has a protective effect against stress disturbance. The present study is designed to investigate the effects of curcumin on learning and memory, activity, biochemical, morphology changes, and apoptosis in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of restraint stress rats. For chronic restraint stress, the rats were kept in the restrainers for 2.5 h per day for 21 consecutive days. The animals received the gavage of curcumin every other day for 21 days. After stress, the animals were subjected to behavioral tests. In restraint stress rats, locomotor activity and step-through latency were decreased using open field and shuttle box, respectively. Then, the rats were sacrificed to assess their serum and brains. A reduction was seen in the serum malonedialdehyde levels and number of neurons in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. The significantly decreased serum total antioxidant capacity levels and increased apoptotic cells were observed in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Finally, curcumin inhibited and reversed the changes of stress induced in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of the rats. These findings provided evidence for the protective effect of curcumin therapy on biochemical, morphology, and behavioral changes induced by restraint stress.

Pinostrobin alleviates chronic restraint stress‑induced cognitive impairment by modulating oxidative stress and the function of astrocytes in the hippocampus of rats

“…The findings of the present study demonstrated that chronic stress significantly enhanced MDA levels, accompanied by decreased levels of the major antioxidant enzymes, SOD and CAT, in the hippocampus; these findings are consistent with those of previous studies (41,42). According to previous findings, the supplementation of natural compounds can ameliorate learning and memory deficits involved in the CRS-induced production of oxidative stress (37,43). Pinostrobin exhibits a several of pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties (21)(22)(23).…”

“…According to previous findings, the supplementation of natural compounds can ameliorate learning and memory deficits involved in the CRS-induced production of oxidative stress ( 37 , 43 ). Pinostrobin exhibits a several of pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties ( 21-23 ).…”

“…The results suggested that the administration of pinostrobin ameliorated chronic stress-induced cognitive impairment by exerting antioxidant effects, reducing neuronal cell damage, and enhancing the expression of astrocytic GFAP and EAAT2 in the hippocampus. Previous studies have revealed that chronic stress is an important regulatory factor for the development of cognitive dysfunction (35)(36)(37). As the main structure of the brain associated with cognition and mood, the hippocampus is extremely susceptible to exposure to chronic stress.…”