Neuroprotective effect of edible bird’s nest in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion induced neurodegeneration in rats

Abstract

Aim: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is marked by insufficient blood supply to the brain, leading to progressive loss of memory and cognitive skills. The continuous reduction of cerebral blood flow resulting from chronic cerebral hypoperfusion leads to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species that triggers inflammation, causing cognitive decline. Till now, there is no cure for AD and the only option is symptomatic treatment. The current study evaluates the effect of edible bird’s nest (EBN) on hippocampal neurons, specifically in the CA1 hippocampal region, by using a rat model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion-induced neuroinflammation. Methods: Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) was induced by permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (2VO) in rats to trigger the neuroinflammatory process. Rats were divided into 4 groups: sham, 2VO, and two 2VO groups treated with two different doses (60 mg/kg, 120 mg/kg) of EBN, which was administered daily by oral gavage. After 8 consecutive weeks, rats were euthanized and the hippocampi were examined histopathologically by counting viable neuronal cells and the levels of F2Isoprostane in hippocampal tissue was