Effect of Betaine on memory dysfunction and Activity ofsuperoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme in Alzheimer's model induced by intra-hippocampal Beta-Amyloid Protein Injection

Studies indicate that oxidative stress has important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. Betaine has neuroprotective and antioxidant properties.  The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of betaine on memory dysfunction induced by intra-hippocampal injection of amyloid beta and measurement of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. In this experimental study, animals were divided into 5 groups (n=8 in each group) including: control group, Alzheimer group and betaine (5, 10, and 15 mg/kg body weight + Aß) groups. Seven days after Aß injection memory was assessed by avoidant learning. The activity of antioxidant enzyme was measured via chemical methods. Data were analyzed by One-way ANOVA test.

The results showed in the Alzheimer's group, Aß impaired memory and reduced SOD activity in comparison with control group.  In contrast, betaine pretreatment significantly improved memory and increased SOD activity.This study shows that betaine as an antioxidant can improve memory by decreasing the oxidative stress.