Dimethyl Fumarate Attenuates Behavioral and Structural Impairments Associated with Brain Ischemia in Rats

Ischemic stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and physical and mental disability. Oxidative stress, free radicals, and inflammation play critical roles in ischemic brain damage. Free radical scavengers such as edaravone and dimethyl fumarate (DMF), known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, are considered promising targets for ischemic stroke treatment. This study aimed to assess the impact of these drugs on brain ischemia.

Forty-nine rats were randomly divided into seven groups: sham, edaravone, and DMF controls, as well as edaravone, DMF 5, 15, and 30 groups. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was induced in all groups except the sham group. The MCAO groups were administered with either the vehicle, edaravone (3 mg/kg), or DMF at doses of 5, 15, and 30 mg/kg twice daily for 14 days. Neurobehavioral assessments were conducted throughout the experiment, and anatomical changes in the brain were evaluated using stereological methods.

Edaravone and three doses of DMF improved neurobehavioral functions. All treated rats showed a reduction in the ischemic volume and cell loss in the brain regions when compared with the control animals. MCAO reduced the total number of neurons and just DMF doses had a significant effect on this factor. Interestingly, MCAO increased the number of non-neurons and only the DMF 30 group significantly decreased this parameter. DMF 30 was more effective in ischemic stroke.

Although edaravone improved neurological functions and reduced the size of brain ischemia and cell loss, DMF, especially at higher doses, exerted a more beneficial effect on these parameters. Therefore, DMF could be proposed as a reinforcement to currently conventional therapies.