Combination of lycopene, quercetin and poloxamer 188 alleviates anxiety and depression in 3-nitropropionic acid-induced Huntington’s disease in rats

AIM: The present study investigates synergistic effect of combination treatment of lycopene, quercetin and poloxamer188 in 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP)-induced Huntington’s disease (HD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anxiety and depression were induced in male Wistar rat by intra-peritoneal administration of 3-NP (10 mg/kg) for 14 days. Body weight was assessed on day 1, 7 and 14, whereas locomotion, anxiety and depression were assessed at the end of the experiment. RESULTS: Administration of 3-NP induces HD like symptoms and produced a significant decrease in body weight on day 7 (P < 0.01)and day 14 (P < 0.001), further decreased locomotion, time spent and number of entries in light area as well as increased immobility period were observed. The rats treated with lycopene and quercetin alone significantly restore the body weight and locomotion count as well as alleviate anxiety and depression. However, combination treatment of lycopene and quercetin with and without poloxamer 188 produced more significant effect on body weight compared to Huntington control rats, but no significant effect was found between the treated groups. However, significant increased on locomotion, time spent and number of entries in light area and decreased immobility period was observed in the combination treated groups when compared to single drug therapy. CONCLUSION: Combination treatment of lycopene and quercetin with and without poloxamer 188 in HD more effectively alleviate anxiety and depression than single drug therapy.