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Cognitive impairment in obese rat model: role of glial cells

International Journal of Obesity volumeĀ 45,Ā pages 2191ā€“2196 (2021)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Background

Obesity is a worldwide problem. Some studies revealed that it leads to deterioration of the cognitive function, regardless of age.

Aim of the study

explore the effect of obesity on cognitive function in a rat model of obesity highlighting the role of glial cells.

Materials and methods

twenty adult male albino rats were assigned to two groups: group I: consumed normal diet, group II: consumed high-fat diet. Body Mass Index (BMI), serum glucose, insulin, HOMA IR and lipid profile were measured. Also, hippocampal expression of Brain derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf), synapsin, Ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba), nuclear factor erythroid -related factor 2 (Nrf2), Myelin basic protein (Mbp) were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The Morris Water Maze is a test used to assess spatial learning and memory capacities of rats.

Results

There was a high significant increase in lipid profile, serum glucose, insulin serum levels and HOMA-IR in obese groups with impaired Morris water maze performance compared to control group. There was a significant downregulation in hippocampal Bdnf and synapsin mRNA expression. In addition to decrease in Mbp mRNA expression (Pā€‰<ā€‰0.001). This could be explained by oxidative stress through significant downregulation of Nrf2 mRNA, and inflammation observed in significant upregulation Iba mRNA gene expression in the obese group.

Conclusion

Many factors contribute to obesity associated cognitive impairment. In our study, we figured out the crucial roles of glial cells including microglial activation and oligodendrocytes affection with other underlying mechanisms including oxidative stress and hippocampal inflammation.

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Fig. 1: Spacial acquisition test in both control and obese groups.
Fig. 2: Probe test in both control and obese groups.
Fig. 3: Correlation between prob test %time and BMI.
Fig. 4: Gene expression analysis in hippocampus tissue.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt

    Reham M. WahidĀ &Ā Sherein F. El-sayed

  2. Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt

    Walaa Samy

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Wahid, R.M., Samy, W. & El-sayed, S.F. Cognitive impairment in obese rat model: role of glial cells. Int J Obes 45, 2191ā€“2196 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-021-00880-9

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