Neuroprotective Effect of Cinnamic Acid on Cognitive Impairment and the Level of Oxidative Stress Indicators in Rat’s Offspring in an Uteroplacental Insufficiency Model

Abstract

Introduction: Uteroplacental Insufficiency (UPI) is one of the main causes of Intra Uterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) that causes neurodevelopmental disorders in neonates. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Cinnamic Acid (CIN) on cognitive impairments and the levels of peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in UPI rats. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 30 pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of control, UPI+NS, UPI+CIN25 mg/kg, UPI+CIN50 mg/kg, and UPI+CIN100 mg/kg. On the 18th day of pregnancy, anterior uterine artery occlusion surgery was performed to induce UPI. From the 12th to the 18th day of pregnancy, the rats received CIN based on the identified doses by gavage. Working memory, avoidance learning, and anxiety-like behaviors were analyzed using the Y-maze, shuttle box, and elevated plus maze when the neonates were 1 month old, respectively. Moreover, the catalase enzyme (CAT) activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and serum content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in this study. Ethic code: IR. IAUSHIRAZ.1397.02.28 Findings: There was a significant decrease in avoidance memory, as well as CAT and TAC along with an increase in anxiety levels and MDA in the UPI+NS, group, compared to the control group (P<0.05). On the other hand, the treatment groups revealed a significant increase in avoidance memory, as well as TAC and CAT levels along with a decrease in the MDA, compared to the UPI+NS group (P<0.05). Discussions & Conclusions: The UPI decreased antioxidant enzymes and increased MDA. On the other hand, the CIN increased antioxidant enzymes and decreased lipid peroxidation. Moreover, the CIN prevented cognitive impairment due to UPI in rats.

Keywords

• cinnamic acid
• oxidative stress
• rat
• uteroplacental insufficiency