Abstract:
Both humans and animals are exposed to various metals either simultaneously or
sequentially via varying occupational and environmental routes. Recent
industrialization has spiked an increase in the environmental exposure to heavy
metals, especially Aluminum, Arsenic and Lead, whereas our socioeconomic trends
have led to an increased exposure to high fat diet. According to a report by WHO, in
2013, over the previous three decades, obesity has doubled worldwide, becoming a
pandemic. Prolonged exposure to HFD and metals can lead to severe neurological
impairment and may also cause inflammation in the brain. The present study
elucidates the neuroprotective effect of Shogaol, a plant extract from ginger, on HFD
and Metal induced neurotoxicity, in mice models. 40 male Balb/c mice were allocated
into four different groups (n=10, each group): Group 1 (Control), Group 2
(metals+HFD), Group 3 (metals+HFD+Shogaol 2mg/kg), and Group 4
(metals+HFD+Shogaol 12mg/kg). Different behavioral analysis were performed to
determine the learning and memory impairment, which included the following tests:
Morris water maze test, Y-maze Test and Hole Board tests, followed by biochemical
analysing to check effects of protective effect of Shogaol on liver and kidneys. The
results depict Shogaol having a possible neuroprotective role against neurological
impairments. Further research needs to be conducted in order to determine the
optimum dosage level of Shogaol as a possible treatment for neurotoxicity.
