Curcumin improves spatial memory and decreases oxidative damage in aged female rats - Springer
Curcumin or vehicle (corn oil) were given once daily for a period of 12 days, beginning 7 days prior to and 5 days during the behavioral tests. Behavioral assessment was performed in MWM. At the end of the behavioral test, blood samples and brain tissues were taken for the analysis of malondialdeyde (MDA), protein carbonyl and glutathione levels.
During the training session, curcumin supplementation decreased latency to reach to the platform and the total distance traveled. During the probe trial, curcumin supplementation increased the number of platform crossings.
In addition to the behavioral testing, biochemical results showed that MDA levels decreased in brain tissue by curcumin supplementation.
It may be concluded that, curcumin supplementation improves cognitive functions by decreasing the lipid peroxidation in brain tissue of aged female rats.
Lipid peroxidation >> refers to the oxidative degradation of lipids. It is the process in which free radicals "steal" electrons from the lipids in cell membranes, resulting in cell damage. This process proceeds by a free radical chain reaction mechanism. It most often affects polyunsaturated fatty acids, because they contain multiple double bonds in between which lie methylene bridges (-CH2-) that possess especially reactive hydrogens. As with any radical reaction, the reaction consists of three major steps: initiation, propagation, and termination.
Curcumin or vehicle (corn oil) were given once daily for a period of 12 days, beginning 7 days prior to and 5 days during the behavioral tests. Behavioral assessment was performed in MWM. At the end of the behavioral test, blood samples and brain tissues were taken for the analysis of malondialdeyde (MDA), protein carbonyl and glutathione levels.
During the training session, curcumin supplementation decreased latency to reach to the platform and the total distance traveled. During the probe trial, curcumin supplementation increased the number of platform crossings.
In addition to the behavioral testing, biochemical results showed that MDA levels decreased in brain tissue by curcumin supplementation.
It may be concluded that, curcumin supplementation improves cognitive functions by decreasing the lipid peroxidation in brain tissue of aged female rats.
Lipid peroxidation >> refers to the oxidative degradation of lipids. It is the process in which free radicals "steal" electrons from the lipids in cell membranes, resulting in cell damage. This process proceeds by a free radical chain reaction mechanism. It most often affects polyunsaturated fatty acids, because they contain multiple double bonds in between which lie methylene bridges (-CH2-) that possess especially reactive hydrogens. As with any radical reaction, the reaction consists of three major steps: initiation, propagation, and termination.
