The protective effects of walnuts (Juglans regia) on neuronal death and astrocyte reactivity following middle cerebral artery occlusion in male rats

Stroke is one of the main leading causes of mortality and disability in many countries. In the absence of definitive treatment search for, neuroprotective agents with minimal side effects should be continued. Natural nutrients can be ideal sources to produce safe and valuable agents for the management of stroke. Walnut kernel (WK) has numerous beneficial components with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The goal of this study was to investigate the protective effects of WK on neuronal injury and astrocyte reactivity after induction of focal cerebral ischemia in male rats. In this experimental study, Wistar male rats were divided into three groups: sham, control (fed with ordinary food) and walnut (fed with WK). Each group consisted of 6 rats. The right middle cerebral artery was occluded for 15 min in the control and walnut groups. Forty-eight hours after reperfusion the animals were killed and their brains were processed for histological (Hematoxylin and Eosin staining) and immunohistochemical (Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein, GFAP), and histochemical (TUNEL) studies. The results showed that WK significantly decreased neuronal death induced by cerebral ischemia; however, the density of GFAP positive astrocytes has been increased at the site of injury in the treatment group compared to the other 2 groups. In addition, WK significantly decreased the mortality rate of the animals due to cerebral ischemia. The results suggested that wk might provide protection against the cerebral ischemia-induced injuries in the rat brain through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.