Abstract:
The normal function of the brain is based on millions of neurons found in the central
nervous system (CNS). Research in both humans and animals have revealed that two brain
areas, the hippocampus and cortex are essential for the encoding and retrieval of episodic
memories. Exposure to different metals in the environment and excessive consumption of
high-fat diet is responsible for the impairment of learning and memory storage process.
Lead, arsenic and aluminum exposure is mostly reported to be involved in this impairment.
Moreover, Synaptic proteins play crucial role in the process of learning and memory. Aim
of the proposed study is to analyze the effects of Shogaol on memory impairment in High
Fat Diet and Metals Exposed Mice. In the current study, we have employed gene
expression analysis of synaptic genes (CAMK4, SYN and PSD 95) and histopathology and
cell counting in the regions of cortex and hippocampus to evaluate neurodegeneration due
to metals and HFD exposure. This study suggested that metals and HFD significantly down
regulated the expression of selected synaptic genes while both the doses of Shogaol
improved their expression. Neurodegeneration was observed through histopathological
examination along with significant decrease in neuronal cell count in hippocampus and
cortex, while Shogaol helped to retain the cell number. In conclusion it can be suggested
that Shogaol has beneficial pharmacological effects and can be further evaluated.
