The possible role of lycopene on the cerebellum of albino rat prenatally exposed to valproic acid: Animal model of autism spectrum disorder

IF 2.5 4区生物学 Q1 ANATOMY & MORPHOLOGY

Tissue & cell Pub Date : 2025-07-29 DOI:10.1016/j.tice.2025.103062

Lubna T. Eid , Mostafa M. El-Habeby , Noha M. Issa , Nermeen M. Nooreldien

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Autism is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder with a rising global prevalence. Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA), a common antiepileptic drug, is associated with autism in offspring. Lycopene, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, may counteract VPA-induced neurotoxicity. To the best of our knowledge, this research is the first attempt to assess the beneficial role of lycopene supplementation in a VPA model of autism. In total, 30 pregnant female albino rats were grouped into five groups: control, lycopene-treated (5 mg/kg/day orally), VPA-treated (50 mg/kg/day orally), VPA-protected with lycopene, and VPA-treated with lycopene. After the scarification of rats, biochemical, histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural analyses were performed on the cerebellum. VPA produced degenerative changes in the cerebellum with increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and Bax while decreasing myelin basic protein (MBP) and Tau1 expressions. Moreover, it increased the brain levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and glutamate. It also reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Lycopene reversed these effects by reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, and restoring antioxidant levels. In conclusion, lycopene mitigated VPA-induced cerebellar damage through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and its ability to modulate neurotransmission, suggesting a potential therapeutic role in autism.

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番茄红素在白化大鼠产前丙戊酸暴露小脑中的可能作用：自闭症谱系障碍动物模型

自闭症是一种严重的神经发育障碍，全球患病率不断上升。产前暴露于丙戊酸（VPA），一种常见的抗癫痫药物，与后代自闭症有关。番茄红素是一种有效的抗氧化和抗炎化合物，可以抵消vpa引起的神经毒性。据我们所知，这项研究是第一次尝试评估番茄红素补充剂在自闭症VPA模型中的有益作用。将30只妊娠雌性白化大鼠分为5组：对照组、番茄红素处理组（口服5 mg/kg/d）、vpa处理组（口服50 mg/kg/d）、番茄红素保护组和番茄红素处理组。大鼠划伤后，对小脑进行生化、组织学、免疫组织化学和超微结构分析。VPA引起小脑退行性改变，胶质原纤维酸性蛋白（GFAP）和Bax升高，髓鞘碱性蛋白（MBP）和Tau1表达降低。此外，它还增加了丙二醛（MDA）、乙酰胆碱酯酶（AChE）、肿瘤坏死因子-α (TNF-α)和谷氨酸的脑水平。它还降低了脑源性神经营养因子（BDNF）和超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）水平。番茄红素通过减少氧化应激和炎症标志物以及恢复抗氧化水平来逆转这些影响。综上所述，番茄红素通过其抗氧化和抗炎作用以及调节神经传递的能力减轻了vpa诱导的小脑损伤，提示其在自闭症中具有潜在的治疗作用。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Tissue & cell 医学-解剖学与形态学

CiteScore

3.90

自引率

0.00%

发文量

234

期刊介绍： Tissue and Cell is devoted to original research on the organization of cells, subcellular and extracellular components at all levels, including the grouping and interrelations of cells in tissues and organs. The journal encourages submission of ultrastructural studies that provide novel insights into structure, function and physiology of cells and tissues, in health and disease. Bioengineering and stem cells studies focused on the description of morphological and/or histological data are also welcomed. Studies investigating the effect of compounds and/or substances on structure of cells and tissues are generally outside the scope of this journal. For consideration, studies should contain a clear rationale on the use of (a) given substance(s), have a compelling morphological and structural focus and present novel incremental findings from previous literature.