Potential anti-inflammatory effect of Lamium album extract through caspase-3 and cyclooxygenase-2 genes expression in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. Inflammation and apoptosis play an important role in the cascade of ischemic stroke. Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pretreatment effects of Lamium album (L. album) extract on caspase-3 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, infarct volume, and neurological deficit score in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Materials and methods: Wistar male rats were randomly divided into three groups: 1) MCAO group (1 h after MCAO, reperfusion was allowed for 24 h by retracting the thread); 2) L. album + MCAO group [receiving L. album extract (100 mg/kg via intraperitoneal) for a week before MCAO]; 3) sham group. The expression level of caspase-3 and COX-2 in the core, penumbra, and subcortex regions was measured by real time-PCR technique. Infarct volume and neurological deficit score were also assessed. Results: The mRNA expression of caspase-3 in the core, penumbra, and subcortex regions in L. album group was significantly reduced compared to MCAO group (p<0.05). Expression level of COX-2 in the subcortex of the rats exposed to L. album was statistically decreased relative to MCAO group (p<0.05). Infarct volume in the core, penumbra, and subcortex was significantly reduced in the L. album group compared with MCAO group (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.05, respectively). Neurological deficit score was remarkably decreased in the L. album group in comparison with the MCAO group (p<0.05). Conclusions: It appears that pretreatment with L. album extract may attenuate brain tissue damage after ischemic stroke. The potential protective effects of this plant extract against this condition might be in part attributed to its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities.