Vanillin and 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol attenuate cognitive impairment and the reduction of cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation in the dentate gyrus in a mouse model of scopolamine-induced amnesia

Abstract

4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (vanillin) and 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol (4-HBA) are natural phenolic compounds, which present in many plants and have diverse biological properties. In this study, we examined effects of vanillin and 4-HBA on learning and memory function, cell proliferation, and neuroblast differentiation in the hippocampal dentate gyrus in a mouse model of scopolamine-induced amnesia. Scopolamine (SCO; 1 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally), vanillin, and 4-HBA (40 mg/kg/day, orally) were administered for 28 days. Treatment with scopolamine alone impaired learning and memory function in the Morris water maze and passive avoidance tests, in addition, the treatment significantly reduced cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation in the dentate gyrus, which were examined by immunohistochemistry for Ki-67 (a classic marker for cell proliferation) and doublecortin (a marker for neuroblasts). However, treatment with vanillin or 4-HBA significantly attenuated SCO-induced learning and memory impairment as well as the reduction of cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation in the dentate gyrus. These results indicate that vanillin and 4-HBA may be helpful in improving cognitive function and in increasing endogenous neuronal proliferation in the brain.

Scabronine G Methyl Ester Improves Memory-Related Behavior and Enhances Hippocampal Cell Proliferation and Long-Term Potentiation via the BDNF-CREB Pathway in Olfactory Bulbectomized Mice

“…The improvement in passive avoidance memory was accompanied by the enhancement of cell proliferation in the hippocampal DG, suggesting that an increase in newborn neurons was involved in retention and recall memory (Oh et al, 2006;Yang et al, 2008;Kim and Park, 2017;Takahashi et al, 2017). In the present study, OBX mice showed a significant decrease in cell proliferation in the DG compared to the sham group which is consistent with our previous study (Nakagawasai Takahashi et al, 2017, Takahashi et al, 2018b, while this change was reversed by the SG-ME treatment [ Figure 5B].…”

Morphine-alcohol treatment impairs cognitive functions and increases neuro-inflammatory responses in the medial prefrontal cortex of juvenile male rats

“…Passive avoidance test was used to measure short-term memory in the treated rats from the different groups in this study. The test was performed according to the modified procedure published by Lee et al [ 26 ] and Kim and Park [ 27 ]. Briefly, the procedure utilized an apparatus that consisted of light and dark compartments lined with white Formica.…”

Circulating metabolomics profiling reveals novel pathways associated with cognitive decline in patients with hypertension

“… 42 – 45 In addition, vanillin has been shown to attenuate scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment via modulating the DNA-binding protein inhibitor ID-1 and neuronal differentiation. 46 , 47 Ethyl methoxycinnamate reportedly improves cognitive impairment independent of direct acetylcholinesterase and glutamate receptor inhibition in an aluminum-induced memory deficit rat model. 41 Moreover, cinnamaldehyde attenuates cognitive deficits via regulating extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling in the prefrontal cortex.…”