Research Article
Yibala Ibor Oboma and Okutu Ja
Abstract
Background: The etiology of neurodegeneration involves both environmental and genetic predisposition with redox metal abuse occupying a central role as most of the symptoms stems from abnormal metal metabolism. Aim: The study was aimed at evaluating the neuroprotective potentials of combined aqueous extracts of ginger and garlic in lead-induced neuronal loss. Methodology: Thirty (30) Rattus norvegicus of average weight (149-179 g) were allowed to acclimatize for 14 days. The animals were divided into 5 groups, n=6.Group A received 2 ml/kg body weight of water and normal feed, Group B (disease control), C, D and E all received 2 mls of 5000 mg/kg body weight of lead acetate once after 24 hours of starvation to induce neurodegeneration. Group C, D and E were treated (post 72 hrs) with 2 ml of 1000 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of garlic, ginger, and in combination for 4weeks respectively. The brain tissue tissues was removed and fixed immediately in 20% phosphate buffered formal saline for 48 hrs and some frozen. The tissues were further processed and sectioned using rotary microtome and stained with Heamatoxylin and eosin. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (gfap) and tumor suppressor gene (p53) immunohistochemistry antibodies were used for detection and localization of the specific tissue antigens. The frozen tissues were used for lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) antioxidant activity. Semi-quantitative method and histomorphology changes were used to assess the extent of neurodegeneration in the cerebellar Purkinje neuronal population. Results: Histomorphology revealed that combined extracts exhibited neuronal protection by inhibiting apoptosis and cellular changes. There was a statistically significant increase in mean value of GSH in the group treated with combined extracts compared with lead induced group. Also, there was a decrease in MDA level in the group treated with combined extracts compared with lead induced group, statistically significant at P=0.01. The aqueous extract of garlic and ginger combined showed decrease in gfap expression and p53 tumor suppressor gene expression. Conclusion: The synergistic effect of aqueous garlic and ginger extracts promoted increase in GSH antioxidant activity and decreases level of MDA with corresponding inhibition of p53 and gfap activity, thereby reducing neuronal damage in rats exposed to lead. This combined extracts is a good pointer in the management of neuronal disorders.