Effects of Terpinolene and Physical Activity on Memory and Learning in a Model of Alzheimer\'s Disease among Rats

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Alzheimerchr('39')s disease is one of the most important neurodegenerative diseases that occur following the production of free radicals and inflammatory factors. Terpinolene has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of terpinolene and physical activity on memory and learning in a model of Alzheimerchr('39')s rats. Methods: Bilateral injection of AB1-42 was administered to the hippocampus of the male rats to create the model of Alzheimerchr('39')s disease. The assigned groups included control (-), sham, exercise, control (+), Alzheimerchr('39')s+distilled water, Alzheimerchr('39')s+exercise, Alzheimerchr('39')s+terpinolene (treatment), Alzheimerchr('39')s+terpinolene (prevention), and Alzheimerchr('39')s+terpinolene+exercise. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Malondialdehyde (MDA) level, shuttle box behavioral test, as well as neurogenesis and amyloid plaques were assessed in this study. The data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results: The SOD activity and neurogenesis levels decreased significantly in the control (+) group, compared to control groups of the behavioral test. However, the MDA level and plaque increased significantly (P<0.05). Terpinolene intake and exercise caused a significant increase in neurogenesis, a significant decrease in plaques, and significant changes in biochemical and behavioral parameters (P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study and previous reports on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of terpinolene and exercise, it seems that this combination along with exercise can improve memory complications and disorders.

Keywords

• alzheimer’s disease
• amyloid beta-peptides
• exercise
• rats
• terpinolene.