Neuroprotective effect of liraglutide and memantine in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effect of memantine combined with liraglutide on aluminum chloride (AlCl3) and D-galactose (D-GAL)- induced neurotoxicity in rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups of 5 animals each: the positive control, the negative control, the memantine-treated group, the liraglutide-treated group, and the combination group treated with memantine and liraglutide. AlCl3 and D-GAL were used to induce neurotoxicity. Behavioral tests, brain beta-amyloid protein, and oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated. Results: The Morris water maze test indicated an enhanced memory in the combination group. Moreover, the combination treatment of liraglutide and memantine resulted in a remarkable reduction in the beta-amyloid protein level in the brain tissue. Neuronal inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers were significantly reduced, and the levels of antioxidant parameters were enhanced. Conclusions: The combination of liraglutide and memantine exerts neuroprotective effects and enhances memory and cognitive functions in rats with Alzheimer’s disease.

Keywords

• alzheimer’s disease
• cognitive function
• glucagonlike peptide-1
• liraglutide
• memantine