Effects of vanillin on potassium bromate-induced neurotoxicity in adult mice: impact on behavior, oxidative stress, genes expression, inflammation and fatty acid composition

Abstract

Context: Vanillin is known to possess important antioxidant activity. Objective: The current study was conducted to establish the therapeutic efficiency of vanillin against potassium bromate (KBrO3)-induced depression-like behavior and oxidative stress in mice. Material and methods: Mice were exposed during 15 days either to potassium bromate (KBrO3), KBrO3+ vanillin or to only vanillin. Results: Our results revealed a significant modification in the fatty acid composition of the KBrO3-treated mice. In addition, KBrO3 induced a significant reduction in enzymatic activities and gene expressions, Na+ –K+ and Mg2+-ATPases, acetylcholinesterase and butylcholinesterase activities. The gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and COX2, significantly increased in the cerebrum of KBrO3-treated group. Histopathological observations were consistent with these effects. Co-treatment with vanillin significantly attenuated KBrO3-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. Conclusion: This work suggests that vanillin mitigates KBrO3-induced depression, and that this neuroprotective effect proceeds through anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.