6-Shogaol Exerts a Neuroprotective Factor in Offspring after Maternal Immune Activation in Rats

Abstract

6-Shogaol is one of the main active phenolic components of ginger and has neuroprotective effects by protecting brain against the oxidative stress and regulate the levels of neurotrophic factors. The objective of the present study was to verify the effect of 6-shogaol on neurochemical parameters in offspring after maternal immune activation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rats. Twelve pregnant Wistar rats received 100 μg/kg of LPS or saline solution on the gestational day 9.5. Male offspring participated in the study and from the postnatal days (PND) 30 and 55, respectively, they were supplemented with 6-shogaol or saline solution, by gavage at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day, orally for 5 days. In PND 37 and 62, analysis of kinase signaling regulated by extracellular signal 1/2 (ERK 1/2), levels of neurotrophic factor derived from the brain (BDNF), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE), lipid and protein oxidative damage was evaluated by 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), respectively, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was performed in the hippocampus. Prenatal exposure to LPS significantly decreased ERK and BDNF levels in PND 37 and 62, increased NSE levels and lipid damage in rats in PND 37, and increased 3-NT level in rats in PND 62. With treatment using 6-shogaol, an increase in ERK and BDNF levels was identified in PND 37 and 62 and a reduction in HNE and MPO activity in rats in PND 37 and 62, respectively. 6-Shogaol positively increased markers of neuronal growth, plasticity and synaptic activity and reduced oxidative damage in the hippocampus in an animal model of autism by maternal immune activation.

Modulating Effects of Zingiberaceae Phenolic Compounds on Neurotrophic Factors and Their Potential as Neuroprotectants in Brain Disorders and Age-Associated Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Review

“…An abnormal cortex is linked to schizophrenia [290] whereas abnormalities in perisylvian magnetoencephalography have also been observed in people with autism spectrum disorders [291]. For autistic neurodevelopmental disorders, 6-shogaol of ginger provides neuroprotection by reducing 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) and myeloperoxidase, the biomarkers for autism [292]. Essential oil of Alpinia zerumbet leaves (EOAZ) reversed schizophrenia-like symptoms in male Swiss mice by increasing the release of IL6 and BDNF [208].…”