Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effects of Resveratrol in Aluminium Chloride-Induced Alzheimer-Type Neurodegeneration in Adult Male Wistar Rat

Aims: Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by deficiency in memory and cognition coupled with neuron loss. Previous studies reported that resveratrol is renowned for its pleiotropic effects and diverse health benefits to mankind especially in reversal of neurodegenerative disorders. The study is tailored towards investigating the ameliorative role of Resveratrol in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology.

Methodology: Forty (40) adult male Wistar rats (150±20g) were divided into four groups (n=10) and Drug administration spanned for a 45 days period. Group A served as the placebo to which normal saline only was administered, Group B served as the negative control group and received 200mg/kgbw of AlCl3 only, Group C received a combination of 200mg/kgbw of AlCl3 and 50mg/kgbw of resveratrol and Group D received 50mg/kgbw of resveratrol only. All animals were subjected to Neurobehavioral tests (Morris Water Maze and Y-Maze). At the end of the experiment, all animals were sacrificed and organs were harvested.

Results: Biochemical estimations of antioxidant levels (GSH, CAT and SOD), stress markers (MDA), Monoamine neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine) and histomorphology were done. Results showed that AlCl3 administration brought about a decrease in antioxidant enzyme levels and neurotransmitters (except norepinephrine) while resveratrol countered these effects (P=.05). Oxidative stress marker levels were however elevated by AlCl3 administration while resveratrol initiated a decrease (P=.05). Neuro-behavioural assessments such as Morris water maze and Y maze test indicated a decline in long-term and short-term memory due to AlCl3 administration while resveratrol served to improve these functions (P=.05).

Conclusion: These results confirmed that potent capacity of resveratrol in reversing neurodegeneration in a wistar rat model of Alzheimer disease due to its antioxidant properties. Given its well documented presence in dietary sources such grapes etc, and its recognized antioxidant benefits, these findings suggest its potential as a neuroprotective agent in humans. Further translational research, including clinical trials is necessary to explore its efficacy, optimal dosage and long-term effects in Alzheimer’s disease management.