Manganese-induced neurotoxicity and the potential protective effects of lipoic acid and Spirulina platensis

• Published in: Toxicology mechanisms and methods Vol. 30; no. 7; pp. 497 - 507
• Main Authors: Ibrahim, Fatma, Nomier, Mahmoud A., Sabik, Laila M. E., Shaheen, Mohamed A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 01.09.2020
• Subjects: Alpha lipoic acid; Animals; Antioxidants - pharmacology; Behavior, Animal - drug effects; Brain - drug effects; Brain - metabolism; Brain - pathology; Brain - physiopathology; dopamine; Feeding Behavior - drug effects; Male; Manganese; Manganese Poisoning - metabolism; Manganese Poisoning - pathology; Manganese Poisoning - physiopathology; Manganese Poisoning - prevention & control; Morris water maze; Morris Water Maze Test - drug effects; Neuroprotective Agents - pharmacology; Oxidative Stress - drug effects; Rats; Spirulina - physiology; Spirulina platensis; Thioctic Acid - pharmacology; Morris water maze; Alpha lipoic acid; dopamine; Spirulina platensis; Manganese
• ISSN: 1537-6516; 1537-6524
• DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2020.1771803

Manganese (Mn) is essential for many physiological processes; however, its excessive accumulation in the brain causes severe dysfunctions in the nervous system. Oxidative stress is thought to be involved in Mn-induced neurotoxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the neurotoxic effects of Mn and the potential protective effects of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) and Spirulina platensis (SP), each alone and in combination. Sixty-four male albino rats were divided into eight equal groups: group 1 was used as control, group 2 received saline, which used as a vehicle, group 3 received ALA (50 mg/kg/day), group 4 received SP (300 mg/kg/day), group 5 received Mn (74 mg/kg, 5 days/week), group 6 received Mn + ALA, group 7 received Mn + SP, group 8 received Mn + ALA + SP. Groups 6, 7 and 8 received the same previously mentioned doses. All treatments were orally gavaged for 8 weeks. Mn administration caused neurobehavioral changes, increases of brain and serum Mn and malondialdehyde (MDA), with decreased glutathione peroxidase (GPx), dopamine and acetylcholine levels. The co-treatment with ALA and SP revealed their ability to protect against oxidative damage, neurobehavioral and biochemical changes induced by Mn.