Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum) Seeds Ameliorated Aluminum-Induced Alzheimer Disease in Rats Through Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antiapoptotic Effects

Abstract

Background Bioaccumulation of aluminum in the brain is associated with adverse neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative changes, such as those seen in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Objective This study aimed to assess the impact of the administration of Lepidium sativum (LS) extract on behavioral, biochemical, and cerebral histopathological changes in rats with AlCl 3 -induced AD and explore the mechanism behind this effect. Materials and Methods This study was conducted on 40 male albino rats divided into four groups (n=10): LS (control, 20 mg/kg body weight for 8 weeks), AD (AlCl 3, 10 mg/kg body weight), and an LS-treated AD group. Behavioral assessment included radial armed maze and active avoidance training tests. Proinflammatory cytokines, oxidant/antioxidant markers, Aβ, AchE, tau protein, TGFβ 1 , homocysteine, folic acid, and vitamin B 12 were biochemically assessed in the serum. The cerebral cortex was histopathologically examined. Results AlCl 3 administration significantly impaired rats’ memory, indicating AD-like behavioral changes, significantly increased ( P <0.001) oxidative stress markers, enhanced proinflammatory cytokines, and significantly increased AChE ( P <0.001) adding to cytotoxic effects and neuronal loss in the cerebral cortex. LS administration significantly improved the antioxidant parameters, reduced proinflammatory cytokines, and alleviated AD-associated histopathological changes. Conclusion LS ameliorated AlCl 3 -induced changes through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects, suggesting that it has a neuroprotective effect.