Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum) Seeds Ameliorated Aluminum-Induced Alzheimer Disease in Rats Through Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antiapoptotic Effects

BACKGROUND: Bioaccumulation of aluminum in the brain is associated with adverse neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative changes, such as those seen in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the impact of the administration of Lepidium sativum (LS) extract on behavioral, biochemical, and cerebral histopathological changes in rats with AlCl(3)-induced AD and explore the mechanism behind this effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 40 male albino rats divided into four groups (n=10): LS (control, 20 mg/kg body weight for 8 weeks), AD (AlCl(3,) 10 mg/kg body weight), and an LS-treated AD group. Behavioral assessment included radial armed maze and active avoidance training tests. Proinflammatory cytokines, oxidant/antioxidant markers, Aβ, AchE, tau protein, TGFβ(1), homocysteine, folic acid, and vitamin B(12) were biochemically assessed in the serum. The cerebral cortex was histopathologically examined. RESULTS: AlCl(3) administration significantly impaired rats’ memory, indicating AD-like behavioral changes, significantly increased (P<0.001) oxidative stress markers, enhanced proinflammatory cytokines, and significantly increased AChE (P<0.001) adding to cytotoxic effects and neuronal loss in the cerebral cortex. LS administration significantly improved the antioxidant parameters, reduced proinflammatory cytokines, and alleviated AD-associated histopathological changes. CONCLUSION: LS ameliorated AlCl(3)-induced changes through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects, suggesting that it has a neuroprotective effect.