Neuroprotective Effects of Oleocanthal, a Compound in Virgin Olive Oil, in a Rat Model of Traumatic Brain Injury

Turk Neurosurg. 2018;28(6):858-865. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.21417-17.2.

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the neuroprotective effects of deocanthal OC in a rat model of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Material and methods: Twenty-six adult male, Wistar albino rats were used. The rats were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 was the sham group (n=5). Group 2 was the trauma group (n=5) where rats were treated with 10 mg/kg saline intraperitoneally (IP) twice a day. Groups 3 and 4, rats were treated with 10 (group 3, n=8) or 30 (group 4, n=8) mg/kg OC IP twice a day. For each group, brain samples were collected 72 hours after injury. Brain samples and blood were evaluated with histopathological and biochemical methods.

Results: Histopathological evaluation revealed a significant difference between Group 2 and Group 4. Biochemical findings demonstrated that the oxidative stress index was highest in Group 2 and lowest in Group 4.

Conclusion: OC has a protective effect on neural cells after TBI. This effect is achieved by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis.

MeSH terms

  • Aldehydes / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Brain / drug effects
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic / pathology*
  • Cyclopentane Monoterpenes
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Male
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Olive Oil / chemistry
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Phenols / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar

Substances

  • Aldehydes
  • Cyclopentane Monoterpenes
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Olive Oil
  • Phenols
  • oleocanthal