L-3-n-butylphthalide attenuates cognitive deficits in db/db diabetic mice

AbstractNumerous epidemiological studies have shown that diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with dementia and cognition decline. However, there is currently no effective treatment for diabetes-induced cognitive dysfunction. The neuroprotective effect of L-3-n-butylphthalide (L-NBP) has been demonstrated in vascular dementia animal models. The purpose of this study was to determine whether L-NBP can ameliorate cognitive deficits in db/db mice, a model of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The mice were administered with vehicle or L-NBP (120  mg/kg) by gavage daily for 6 weeks. Then, Morris water maze tasks were performed, and hippocampal LTP was recorded in vivo. Next, the synaptic structure of the CA1 hippocampus region was investigated via electron microscopy. Finally, the expression levels of MDA, SOD, 8-OHdG, and NADPH oxidase su bunits gp91 and p67, as well as the expression of NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β and caspase-3 were measured by Western blot, RT-PCR and ELISA. Treatment with L-NBP significantly attenuated the learning and memory deficits in db/db mice. Concomitantly, L-NBP also increased hippocampus synaptic plasticit y, characterized by an enhanced in vivo LTP, and suppressed oxidative stress, as indicated by increased SOD activity and decreased MDA, 8-OHdG, and NADPH oxidase subunits p67 and gp91. L-NBP also significantly decreased NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1βand caspase-3 levels in the hippocampus. L-NBP signifi cantly ameliorated cognitive decline in type 2 diabeti...
Source: Metabolic Brain Disease - Category: Neurology Source Type: research