Berberine Chloride Mitigates Cerebellar Damage in Global Cerebral Ischemia: A Comprehensive Study with stereological analysis, evaluation the Antioxidant response and Locomotor Function in Rat Models

Abstract

Global cerebral ischemia (GCI) leads to significant oxidative damage in the cerebellum, which mainly affects Purkinje cells. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Berberine chloride (BBR), a compound known for its antioxidant properties against GCI. 42 adult male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Sham, GCI, and GCI+BBR. Rats received BBR (50mg/kg) 7 days before and 6 hours after inducing GCI via bilateral common carotid artery occlusion for 20 minutes. And assessed for locomotor activity by open field test, cerebellar biochemical factors malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), cerebellum volume and Purkinje neuron count by stereological analysis.The BBR treatment reduced the concentration of MDA(P<0.0001) and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GPx (P<0.0001, P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively) in the cerebellum compared to the GCI group. Stereological analysis revealed higher Purkinje cell count (P<0.0001), cerebellum (P<0.001), white matter (P<0.01), and grey matter (P<0.0001) volume in the GCI+BBR group compared to the GCI group. Furthermore, GCI+BBR showed enhanced locomotor function compared to the GCI group. BBR showed therapeutic benefits and improved locomotor function, Showcased antioxidative effects by lowering MDA levels, boosting enzymatic activities, and significantly mitigating Purkinje cell death and cerebellar volume loss.