Evaluation of the effects of dietary antioxidant in animal model of dexamethasone-induced neurotoxicity – A preliminary study

Abstract

correlation between 283G>A polymorphism of VDR gene and the BMD scores for the lumbar vertebrae in women with osteopenia and osteoporosis. Moreover, vitamin D receptor polymorphism also correlated with reduced BMD values. In conclusion, polymorphism (rs1544410) of VDR gene has been proved to be the genetic factor of postmenopausal osteoporosis.Glucocorticoids (GCs) and other preparations, e.g. dexamethasone (DEX -a synthetic GCs receptor agonist) are often used therapeutically for their potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties in the different diseases. Chronic stress or prolonged exposure to high levels of GCs induces neuropathological alterations, which are frequently associated with cognitive deficits, such as the impairment of memory and learning. Brain injury, caused by ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke or trauma, may lead to the increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and, in effect, to tissue damage via several different cellular molecular pathways. Many authors suggested the neuroprotective effect of antioxidant agent.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of antioxidant agent such as: spirulina (blue-green algae) in animal model of dexamethasone-induced neurotoxicity. The experiments were carried out on male Albino Swiss mice (25-30 g). Spirulina was administered ip (0.5 g and 1.0 g/kg/day) 4 h before DEX (16 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. The long-term memory acquisition, motor performance, as well as body weight and lethality were evaluated 14 days after the drugs administration. The results of our study have shown that DEX evoked deterioration of all parameters in behavioral tests. In mice treated with DEX, spirulina improved parameters of behavioral tests in a higher dose and increased reduction of body weight in mice subjected to DEX.Although the preliminary study suggests protective effect of spirulina in this experimental model, it should be confirmed in further research.http://dx.