Resveratrol ameliorates the behavioural and molecular changes in rats exposed to uninephrectomy: role of hippocampal SIRT1, BDNF and AChE

Subtle memory and cognitive changes may occur in uninephrectomized (Unix) patients long before the development of chronic kidney disease, such changes may be unnoticed. The dietary polyphenol, Resveratrol, displayed various neuroprotective effects, its role in chronic kidney disease is an area of intense studies. This work was designed to investigate the behavioural and molecular changes that may occur following 7 months of Unix in rats, and to determine whether Resveratrol intake can improve such pathology. Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: sham operated, Unix and Unix group treated with Resveratrol (20 mg/kg/day). Rats were subjected to series of behavioural testing, different biochemical parameters along with RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry of the hippocampal tissue to track the development of functional or structural brain changes. Anxiety behaviour and reduced spatial memory performance were observed in rats 7 months post-nephrectomy; these deficits were remarkably reversed with Resveratrol. Among the species typical behaviour, burrowing was assessed; it showed significant impairment post-nephrectomy. Resveratrol intake was almost able to increase the burrowing behaviour. Decreased SIRT1 in immune-stained sections, oxidative stress, inflammatory changes, and increased AChE activity in hippocampal homogenates were found in Unix rats, and Resveratrol once more was capable to reverse such pathological changes. This work has investigated the occurrence of behavioural and structural brain changes 7 months following Unix and underlined the importance of Resveratrol to counterbalance the behavioural impairment, biochemical and brain pathological changes after uninephrectomy. These findings may raise the possible protective effects of Resveratrol intake in decreased kidney function.