Role of CAPE in reducing oxidative stress in animal models with traumatic brain injury

INTRODUCTION: The central nervous system (CNS) is the most metabolically active organ characterized by high oxygen demand and relatively low anti-oxidative activity, which makes neurons and glia highly susceptible to damage by reactive oxygen and nitrogen byproducts as well as neurodegeneration. Free radicals are associated with secondary injuries that occur after a primary brain injury. Some of these free radical products include F2-Isoprostane (F2-IsoPs), malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) and acrolein. METHODS: In this study we measured serum F2-IsoPs levels as markers of free radical activity in 10–12 week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200–300 g, all rats (n = 10) subjected with a head injury according to the modified marmourou model, then divided into 2 groups, one group treated with CAPE (Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester) (n = 5) and the other not treated with CAPE (n = 5), serum levels in the two groups were compared starting from day-0 (before brain injury), day-4 and day-7. RESULTS: We found lower F2-IsoPs levels in the group that received the CAPE treatment compared to the group that did not receive the CAPE treatment. CONCLUSION: CAPE is capable of significantly reducing oxidative stress in brain injury.