Hesperidin Supplementation During Alternate Day Fasting Provides Synergistic Effect in Conferring Neuroprotection to...

Alternate day fasting (ADF) is a beneficial dietary intervention that reduces age- associated complications. Hesperidin is a potential antioxidant especially known for free radical scavenging ability. Oxidative damages are a major cause of neurological changes in brain that accelerate deteriorative effects leading to aging. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the role of hesperidin supplementation on possible neuroprotection conferred in terms of redox balance in rats that were maintained on an ADF regimen. Middle aged male Wistar rats (Rattus Norvegicus) (12-15 months) were divided into four groups: Group I. Control; Group II. ADF; Group III. Hesperidin; Group IV. ADF + Hes (maintained under ADF regimen and given hesperidin regularly). The number of rats maintained in each group is 6. We measured crucial biomarkers of antioxidant defense like FRAP, GSH, SOD, catalase, and oxidative stress MDA, PCO, AOPP, NO, inflammatory cytokine (IL-6 and TNF-α) and autophagy gene expression. The results provide evidence of a synergistic benefit obtained in crucial parameters of antioxidant defense including FRAP, GSH, SOD, catalase and autophagy expression (Beclin gene) alongwith decrease in MDA, PCO, AOPP, NO and inflammation markers. The activity of the mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes showed increased efficiency and the histopathological changes show well protected neurons and lesser neurodegeneration. The results support administration of hesperidin during ADF regimen to obtain additional benefits and protection from aging induced oxidative stress. This strategy may also reduce the incidence of common metabolic morbidities like impaired glucose levels and attenuate redox imbalance thus conferring neuroprotective effects.