Neuroprotection in pentylenetetrazol kindling rat model: A synergistic approach with eugenol and photobiomodulation

Abstract

Epilepsy is a complex neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, significantly impacting patient health and quality of life. This study explores the neuroprotective effects of combining Eugenol (EUG), a natural bioactive compound administered at 100 mg/kg, with photobiomodulation (PBM), a non-invasive low-level laser therapy at 830 nm wavelength and 100 mW power, in a pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) kindling rat model of epilepsy. Fifty-nine adult male Wistar rats were assigned to five experimental groups: Control, PTZ (epilepsy model), PBM, EUG, and EUG + PBM. Seizure severity was assessed using a modified Racine scale following each PTZ injection. The study also evaluated cortical and hippocampal levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), oxidative stress markers (MDA, NO, and GSH), activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Na + K + -ATPase, and monoamine neurotransmitters (DA, 5-HT, and NE). The results demonstrated that EUG and PBM, both individually and combined, significantly reduced seizure severity, mitigated oxidative stress, restored enzyme activities, and elevated BDNF levels. The combined treatment yielded superior neuroprotective effects compared to individual interventions, emphasizing its potential as a promising therapeutic strategy for epilepsy management.