Rivastigmine Reverses the Decrease in Synapsin and Memory Caused by Homocysteine: Is There Relation to Inflammation?

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Elevated homocysteine (Hcy) levels, or hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), are linked to neurodegenerative diseases.
• Hcy induces oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and cognitive impairment, contributing to neurodegeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of mild HHcy on behavior and neurochemical parameters in male rats.
• To evaluate the therapeutic potential of ibuprofen and rivastigmine in mitigating HHcy-induced damage.

Main Methods:

• A chronic mild HHcy model was established in Wistar rats using Hcy administration.
• Rats were treated with ibuprofen and rivastigmine.
• Behavioral tests (motor coordination, cognitive function) and neurochemical analyses (oxidative stress, inflammation, protein levels, enzyme activity) were performed.

Main Results:

• Mild HHcy induced cognitive deficits, impaired motor coordination, reduced synapsin 1 protein, altered neuroinflammation, and affected catalase and acetylcholinesterase activity.
• Both ibuprofen and rivastigmine treatments ameliorated the behavioral and neurochemical impairments caused by HHcy.
• These findings suggest a link between Hcy-induced neurochemical changes and Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk.

Conclusions:

• Mild HHcy causes significant cognitive and motor deficits in rats.
• Ibuprofen and rivastigmine demonstrate neuroprotective effects against HHcy-induced damage.
• These findings support the potential of these drugs in managing conditions associated with elevated homocysteine levels.