Inhibition of lipid peroxidation as a mechanism of neuroprotective action of melatonin in experimental acute cerebral ischemia

Abstract

Due to the limited efficacy and safety of ischemic stroke treatment methods, melatonin (MT) in the original rectal suppositories, having pleiotropic properties, may be a promising neuroprotector. The aim was to study the effect of MT in the composition of original rectal suppositories on the redox status in rat blood plasma in the dynamics of experimental acute cerebral ischemia (EACI). The methodology. 40 male Wistar rats (220-240 g) were divided into 4 groups: I – false-operated, II, III, IV – EACI model (Chen S.T. et al.). Treatment (for 7 days): II – without treatment, III – rectal suppositories (2.5 mg MT / 100 mg) every 24 hours, IV – citicoline (100 mg / kg intravenously) every 24 hours. Neurological status (days 3 and 7, Garcia J.H. scale, Placing test), lipid peroxidation products (LPO) in plasma lipid extract (heptane and isopropanol phases) were evaluated. Results. With EACI, on days 3 and 7, there was a decrease in neurological parameters (Garcia J.H. scale and Placement test) and an increase in the level of LPO products in the plasma lipid extract. The use of rectal suppositories with MT significantly improved neurological status and decreased LPO indices, and correlation analysis confirmed the relationship between these processes. Citicoline also showed a positive effect, but its effect was less pronounced compared to MT and did not reach the control values. Conclusion. The results obtained represent the neuroprotective effect of MT in the original rectal suppositories due to its systemic antioxidant effect, comparable to the currently used therapy, which suggests the expediency of their use in clinical practice.