Antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects of darbepoetin-α against traumatic brain injury in rats.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

In this study, we tried to determine whether darbepoetin-α would protect the brain from oxidative stress and apoptosis in a rat traumatic brain injury model.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

The animals were randomized into four groups; group 1 (sham), group 2 (trauma), group 3 (darbepoetin α), group 4 (methylprednisolone). In the sham group only the skin incision was performed. In all the other groups, a moderate traumatic brain injury modelwas applied.

RESULTS:

Following trauma both glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase levels decreased (p < 0.001 for both); darbepoetin-α increased the activity of both antioxidant enzymes (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001 respectively). Trauma caused significant elevation in the nitric oxide synthetase and xanthine oxidase levels (p < 0.001 for both). Administration of darbepoetin-α significantly decreased the levels of nitric oxide synthetase and xanthine oxidase (p < 0.001 for both). Also, trauma caused significant elevation in the nitric oxide levels (p < 0.001); darbepoetin-α administration caused statistically significant reduction in the nitric oxide levels (p < 0.001). On the other hand, malondialdehyde levels were increased following trauma (p < 0.001), and darbepoetin α significantly reduced the malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.001). Due to the elevated apoptotic activity following the injury, caspase-3 activity increased significantly. Darbepoetin-α treatment significantly inhibited apoptosis by lowering the caspase-3 activity (p < 0.001). In the darbepoetin group, histopathological score was lower than the trauma group (p = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS:

In this study, darbepoetin-α was shown to be at least as effective as methylprednisolone in protecting brain from oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and apoptosis.

• Authors: Hayri Kertmen, Bora Gürer, Erdal Resit Yilmaz, Mehmet Ali Kanat, Ata Türker Arikok, Berrin Imge Ergüder, Askin Esen Hasturk, Julide Ergil, Zeki Sekerci
• Journal: Archives of medical science : AMS (Arch Med Sci) Vol. 11 Issue 5 Pg. 1119-28 (Oct 12 2015) ISSN: 1734-1922 [Print] Poland
• PMID: 26528358 (Publication Type: Journal Article)