Chronic treatment with coenzyme Q۱۰ mitigates the behavioral dysfunction of global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

Objective(s): The Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) phenomenon has a critical role in brain injuries induced by some kinds of stroke. The current study investigates the effects of Coenzyme Q۱۰ (Q۱۰) on global cerebral I/R in rats. Materials and Methods: Fifty male Wistar rats were used in this study. The global cerebral I/R was induced by obstructing both common carotid arteries for ۲۰ min and the animals were treated with Q۱۰ (۲۰۰ mg/kg; PO.) for ۶ weeks. Depressive and anxiety-like behaviors were assessed using the elevated plus-maze and forced swimming test, respectively. Working and spatial learning and memory were assessed by the Y-maze continuous alternation task and Morris water maze. The brain tissues were evaluated for brain edema, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Results: Our results indicated that global cerebral I/R increased anxiety and depression-like behavior as well as reduced cognitive performance. Moreover, the levels of BDNF and activities of SOD are reduced in stroke animals. Chronic post-stroke treatment with Q۱۰ decreased brain edema. Furthermore, Q۱۰ administration reduced anxiety and depressive-like behavior as well as cognitive impairments in stroke animals. Q۱۰ also increased the SOD activities and BDNF levels in the brain tissues of stroke animals. Conclusion: Finally, we can conclude that using Q۱۰ supplementation may be beneficial against the global cerebral I/R complications.

Keywords:

Brain Injuries , Free radicals , Ischemia/Reperfusion , Q۱۰ , Rat