Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation prevents learning and memory impairment induced by chronic ethanol consumption in adolescent male rats through restoration of inflammatory and oxidative responses

Objective

Ethanol (Eth) intake is known to cause numerous detrimental effects on the structure and function of the brain, and it is commonly used as a psychostimulant drug by adolescents. Conversely, omega-3 (O₃) can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and promote the maintenance of neurophysiological functions. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of O₃ on behavioral alterations, oxidative stress, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels induced by chronic Eth intake during adolescence in rats.

Materials and methods

Adolescent male rats (21 days old) were divided as follows: (1) Vehicle, (2) Eth (Eth in drinking water [20%]), (3–5) Eth + O₃ (50/100/150 mg/kg), and (6) O₃ (150 mg/kg). After 5 weeks, Morris water maze (MWM) and passive avoidance (PA) tests were performed, and the hippocampal and cortical levels of oxidative stress markers and inflammatory indices were measured.

Results

Adolescent Eth intake impairs learning and memory function in MWM and PA tests (groups × day, p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). It was shown that Eth induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. O₃ improved learning and impairment induced by Eth by reducing the adverse effects of Eth on the oxidant/antioxidant balance in the hippocampi (for malondialdehyde [MDA]/thiol: p < 0.01, p < 0.001, respectively) and for superoxide dismutase (SOD)/catalase (CAT): p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Furthermore, we found that O₃ prevented the Eth-induced increase of hippocampal IL-6 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

O₃ supplementation acts as an effective approach to prevent learning and memory impairments induced by chronic Eth consumption during adolescence. In this respect, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of O₃ seem to be the main underlying mechanisms of neuroprotection.