The effect of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) extract on modulating the expression of cation-chloride transporters (NKCC1 and KCC2) after stroke in rats receiving high-fat diet

Cinnamon improves the lipid profile and has antioxidant and protective effects. Therefore, in this study, the effect of cinnamon on the expression of NKCC1 and KCC2 genes in the stroke model of rats receiving a high-fat diet (HFD) was investigated.

Thirty-six rats were divided into four groups: control, model (stroke), cinnamon 130 and 260 mg. All groups, except the control group, received HFD for 8 weeks, and then the groups receiving cinnamon were injected with 130 and 260 mg/day of cinnamon for 6 weeks, respectively. The animals were anesthetized and stroke was induced in them with middle cerebral artery occlusion model. After 12 hours, the animals were assessed for body mass index (BMI), stroke volume and expression of NKCC1 and KCC2 genes. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze the data at a significance level of P<0.05.

HFD increased BMI. Cinnamon extract decreased BMI and reduced stroke volume compared to the model group. Decreased expression of NKCC1 and increased expression of KCC2 were significant in stroke hemispheres compared to the model group. The low dose of the extract had a better effect in reducing the expression of genes.

It seems that cinnamon, as a pre-treatment, has valuable and reducing effects on BMI and ischemic strokes caused by obesity, and by modulating the expression of KCC2 and NKCC1 genes, it maintains chlorine ion homeostasis and therefore, it can be considered as a suitable option for the pre-treatment of stroke.