The neuroprotective effect of coenzyme Q10 N on Monosodium glutamate induced cognitive deficits and oxidative stress in the hippocampus of rats

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) induced excitotoxicity leads to oxidative stress in different areas of the brain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of coenzyme Q10 (Co-Q10) on amelioration of short-term and long-term memory and oxidative stress parameters in MSG-treated rats.

In this experimental study, 40 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups including control, MSG, MSG + Q10-10 and MSG + Q10-20. MSG gavage (4 mg / kg) and coenzyme Q10 injection at doses of 10 and 20 mg / kg (intraperitoneally; i.p.) were performed for 4 weeks. Then, short-term working memory was assessed using the Y maze and long-term avoidance memory was performed with the shuttle box. Hippocampal level of catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined by ELISA method and malondialdehyde (MDA) content was determined by thiobarbituric acid method.

In MSG group, there was a significant decrease in alteration behavior, increased latency time to the dark room of the shuttle box, decreased CAT, TAC expression and increased MDA compared to the control group (p <0.05). While in the Q10 treated groups, there was an increase in working and avoidance memory, an increase in CAT and TAC expression and a decrease in MDA in the hippocampus compared to the MSG group (p˂0.05).

It seems that Co-Q10 ameliorates MSG induced neurotoxicity and cognitive symptoms through preventing oxidative stress in the hippocampus.