Abstract

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY, ANTI-APOPTOTIC AND HISTOARCHITECTURAL EFFECT OF VITAMIN C AND E ON ROHYPNOL-INDUCED HIPPOCAMPAL INJURIES ON WISTAR RATS

Ezejindu Damian N., Ike Emmanuel C., Chukwu Victoria O.*, Ugwu Augustus U., Abireh Ezeteonu, Okpara Andy-Davis C. and Abah Stephanie I.

Abstract

Aim: This aimed at investigating the anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and histoarchitectural effect of vitamin C and vitamin E on Rohypnolinduced hippocampal injuries on male wistar rats. Methods: This sixweek experimental study, involved 25 adult male Wistar rats weighing between 200–220kg, divided into five groups (n=5). Group A served as the control, Group B received 1mg/kg body weight of Rohypnol, Group C received 1mg/kg body weight of Rohypnol + 100 mg/kg body weight of Vitamin C, Group D received 1mg/kg body weight of Rohypnol + 100 mg/kg body weight of Vitamin E, and Group E received 1mg/kg body weight of Rohypnol + 100 mg/kg body weight of Vitamin C and E for 28 days concurrently. Neurobehavioural studies were conducted; afterwards, the hippocampus and blood samples were collected for further analysis. Results: Groups C, D, and E exhibited increased TNF-ɑ and decreases Bcl-2 levels compared to Group B, which displayed decreased and increase levels respectively. Group B showed significantly reduced SOD, GPx, and GSH levels, whereas Groups C, D, and E demonstrated increased levels. Additionally, Group B exhibited elevated MDA levels, while Groups C, D, and E displayed decreased levels. The histopathological findings in our study revealed mild to severe damage on the cells and tissues of the hippocampus with focal area of hemorrhage, liquefactic necrosis, severe lymphocytic infiltration and vacuolations in the group B. Mild distortions in the hippocampal tissues were observed in other groups. Conclusion: Vitamin C and E effectively protected against Rohypnol-induced neurodegeneration, suggesting their potential as essential supplements.

Keywords: Anti-inflammatory, Anti-apoptosis, Rohypnol, Hippocampus, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.