Effects of ghrelin on sulfite induced changes in lipid peroxidation, spatial memory, and locomotor activity in rats

ABSTRACT

Background

Humans are constantly exposed to sulfites and their derivatives, both endogenously and exogenously. Recent studies have shown that sulfite and its derivatives can cause oxidative stress. . Ghrelin has been reported to possess antioxidant properties and stimulates neurogenesis in hippocampal progenitor cells. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ghrelin on sulfite-induced changes in hippocampal oxidative status, spatial learning and locomotor activity in rats.

Methods

Forty male albino Wistar rats were randomized into four groups as follows; Group 1: Control (C); Group 2: Sodium metabisulfite (Na2S2O5) treated (S); Group 3: Ghrelin treated (G); Group 4: Na2S2O5 + Ghrelin treated (SG). Sodium metabisulfite (100 mg/kg/day) was given by gastric gavage, and ghrelin (20 µg/kg/day) was administered intraperitoneally for 5 weeks. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured through fluorometric method. The spatial memory and locomotor activity of the rats were evaluated by Y-maze test.

Results

Y-maze results revealed an enhancement of short-term spatial learning and memory in S and SG groups compared to C group. TBARS levels were increased significantly in S group with respect to C group. The increase in TBARS levels induced by sulfite was completely prevented by ghrelin in SG group.

Conclusion

We suggest that systemic ghrelin administration might ameliorate ingested sodium metabisulfite-induced hippocampal oxidative damage without providing any changes in spatial learning, memory and locomotion. Further investigation concerning the mechanism of ghrelin action in hippocampus might provide valuable information for developing new therapeutic approaches to attenuate oxidative stress in hippocampal tissue.

KEYWORDS:

• Ghrelin
• sulfite
• lipid peroxidation
• spatial memory
• locomotor activity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Akdeniz Un’versıty [2009.01.012 2.002] This study was supported by a Grant from the Research Founda- tion of Akdeniz University, Turkey (Project Number: 2009.01.012 2.002).

Notes on contributors

Sevim Ercan

Sev’m Ercan Phd. Akdeniz University, Vocational School of Health Services, Antalya, Turkey. sev’mercan@akden’z.edu.tr.

Goksun Basaranlar

Göksun Başaranlar Phd. İzmir Democracy University, Vocational School of Health Services, Biomedical Device Technology, İzmir, Turkey. [email protected]