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Published on: October 17, 2018
Bacterial melanin improves cognitive impairment induced by cerebral hypoperfusion in rats
1a Department of Kinesiology , Armenian State Institute of Physical Education , Yerevan.
Abstract:
The effect of bacterial melanin (BM) solution on learning and memory impairment induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion in rats was studied. Male rats were injected intramuscularly with BM solution on the second day after bilateral permanent occlusion of the common carotid artery. Rats received 6 mg/ml (170 mg/kg) BM and performed significantly better in cognition tests compared with controls. The present findings demonstrate that the beneficial effects of BM injection on cognitive functions may be due to preventing neuropathological alterations, suppressing the inflammation process, stimulating vascularization and inhibiting oxidative damage. Obtained data suggest that BM has therapeutic potential for the treatment of neurodegeneration caused by ischemia.
Insights
Bacterial melanin (BM) solution improved learning and memory in rats with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. This neuroprotective effect may stem from BM
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion can induce learning and memory deficits.
- Neuropathological alterations, inflammation, and oxidative damage contribute to cognitive impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of bacterial melanin (BM) solution.
- To evaluate the effect of BM on cognitive function in a rat model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion.
Main Methods:
- Male rats underwent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion to induce chronic cerebral hypoperfusion.
- Rats were injected intramuscularly with bacterial melanin (BM) solution.
- Cognitive function was assessed using various tests.
Main Results:
- BM-treated rats showed significantly improved performance in cognition tests compared to control groups.
- Bacterial melanin (BM) demonstrated neuroprotective effects, potentially by reducing neuropathology and inflammation.
- BM treatment also appeared to stimulate vascularization and inhibit oxidative damage.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial melanin (BM) shows therapeutic potential for treating neurodegeneration caused by ischemia.
- BM may offer a novel treatment strategy for cognitive impairment associated with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion.

