Methanolic Fraction of Buchholzia coriacea Seed Extract Up-Regulates Hippocampal BDNF Expression and Ameliorate Cognitive Deficits in Manganese-Induced Parkinson-like Neuropathology

Abstract

Introduction: Manganese (Mn) is essential for a variety of physiological processes, but at elevated levels, can be neurotoxic. The aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of methanolic fraction of Buchholzia coriacea (MFBC) on cognitive function and determine whether targeting brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathway could modify the parkinsonian effects of Mn-toxicity in the hippocampus.

Methods: 28 adult Wistar rats were randomized into four groups (n=7): A=control group; B=Mn only (100 mg/kg); C=MFBC only (100 mg/kg); and D=Mn (100 mg/kg) + MFBC (100 mg/kg). Behavioural assessment, morphological changes in the neurons of the hippocampus, estimation of the activity of oligomeric α-synuclein as well as the impact of Buchholzia coriacea on BDNF expression in the hippocampus were examined. Cortical sections were stained for histological investigations. RT-PCR was used for evaluating BDNF gene expression, and ELISA was used for quantifying dopamine and oligomeric α-synuclein levels. Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Turkey’s post hoc test. p<0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Findings indicated that Buchholzia coriacea (BC) significantly reduced the activity of oligomeric α-synuclein and augmented hippocampal dopamine activity. Mn-toxicity was associated with neuronal damage and depletion in BDNF gene expression, while Buchholzia coriacea up-regulated hippocampal BDNF activity and ameliorated observed structural perturbations.

Conclusion: Methanolic fraction of Buchholzia coriacea seed extract regimen improved the rats' performance cognitive tasks and halted parkisonian changes in the hippocampus.