Effects of vanillin on potassium bromate-induced neurotoxicity in adult mice: impact on behavior, oxidative stress, genes expression, inflammation and fatty acid composition

Abstract

Context: Vanillin is known to possess important antioxidant activity. Objective: The current study was conducted to establish the therapeutic efficiency of vanillin against potassium bromate (KBrO₃)-induced depression-like behavior and oxidative stress in mice. Material and methods: Mice were exposed during 15 days either to potassium bromate (KBrO₃), KBrO₃+ vanillin or to only vanillin. Results: Our results revealed a significant modification in the fatty acid composition of the KBrO₃-treated mice. In addition, KBrO₃ induced a significant reduction in enzymatic activities and gene expressions, Na⁺ –K⁺ and Mg²⁺-ATPases, acetylcholinesterase and butylcholinesterase activities. The gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and COX₂, significantly increased in the cerebrum of KBrO₃-treated group. Histopathological observations were consistent with these effects. Co-treatment with vanillin significantly attenuated KBrO₃-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. Conclusion: This work suggests that vanillin mitigates KBrO₃-induced depression, and that this neuroprotective effect proceeds through anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Keywords:

• Cerebrum
• genes expression
• fatty acids
• oxidative stress
• potassium bromate
• vanillin

Acknowledgments

The present work was supported by grants from the DGRST (Direction Générale de la Recherche Scientifque et Technique-Tunisie. Appui à la Recherche Universitaire de base UR/12 ES-13).

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.