Pharmacological Evaluation of Shogaol on Cholinergic Markers in Mice Model of High Fat Diet and Metals Induced Neurotoxicity

Abstract

Chronic exposure to heavy metals via drinking water and diets rich in saturated fats and cholesterol have been shown to be harmful to cognitive performance. Cholinergic system plays a vital role in the execution of cognitive functioning where the levels of acetylcholine is directly proportional to cognition. This study aimed to determine the effects of high fat diet and metals i.e. Aluminium, Arsenic and lead on cholinergic markers including acetylcholine levels, and gene expression of choline acetyltransferase and different subunits (α7, α4 and β2) of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR). Neuroprotective effect of Shogaol on cholinergic markers was also determined. Gene expression of choline acetyltransferase, α4 nAChR, α7 nAChR and β2 nAChR was quantified by qRT-PCR in both cortex and hippocampus while the levels of acetylcholine were determined by neurochemical assay. The results demonstrated a decrease in the relative expression levels of the studied genes due to metals and high fat diet in cortex and hippocampus. Decrease in the levels of acetylcholine was also observed in cortex and hippocampus. In this study Shogaol which is a pure compound of ginger was used for the treatment of High fat diet and metals induced neurotoxicity. It was observed from the results that Shogaol has neuroprotective effect as it has maintained the gene expression and acetylcholine levels close to normal in both cortex and hippocampus.