Dietary supplementation with Salvia officinalis L. and aerobic training attenuates memory deficits via the CREB-BDNF pathway in amyloid beta- injected rats

Abstract

Background: AD is a neurodegenerative disorder in which there is a gathering of beta-amyloid plaques, primarily in the hippocampus, that lead to neuronal death. Exercise training and botanical medications can play a role in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of aerobic training and Salvia officinalis extract on the improvement of learning and memory deficits in amyloid beta -injected rats. Methods: Rats were injected with an Aβ solution into the CA1 hippocampal region. Rats were then exposed to treadmill exercise and S. officinalis extract for 4 weeks, at which point they performed the MWM. Additionally, we studied the molecular factors involved in neuronal plasticity, such as CREB and BDNF. The animals were also evaluated histologically to determine the deposition of Aβ in the brain tissue. Results: The results showed that aerobic training and S. officinalis improved learning and memory in the behavioral test. The results of the molecular analysis showed that CREB and BDNF levels were attenuated in the Aβ-injected rats in comparison with the control group. The density of surviving neurons was considerably higher in the training-extract-Aβ group (P<0.01) and extract-Aβ group (P<0.05) than the negative control groups. Conclusion: In the present study, behavioraltesting and biochemical analysis demonstrated that aerobic training and S. officinalis extract treatment for 4 weeks protects against memory deficits in Aβ-injected rats.

Keywords

• <i>salvia officinalis</i> l.
• alzheimer’s disease
• hippocampus
• treadmill