Anatomy and Cell Biology

Korean Association of Anatomists (대한해부학회)
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Exploring the therapeutic potential: Apelin-13's neuroprotective effects foster sustained functional motor recovery in a rat model of Huntington's disease

  • Shaysteh Torkamani-Dordshaikh (Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences) ;
  • Shahram Darabi (Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences) ;
  • Mohsen Norouzian (Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences) ;
  • Reza Bahar (Laser Application in Medical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences) ;
  • Amirreza Beirami (Hearing Disorders Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences) ;
  • Meysam Hassani Moghaddam (Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences) ;
  • Mobina Fathi (Laser Application in Medical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences) ;
  • Kimia Vakili (Proteomics Research Center, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences) ;
  • Foozhan Tahmasebinia (Proteomics Research Center, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences) ;
  • Maryam Bahrami (Rayan Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Ravan Sazeh Company) ;
  • Hojjat Allah Abbaszadeh (Hearing Disorders Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences) ;
  • Abbas Aliaghaei (Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences)
  • Received : 2023.12.01
  • Accepted : 2024.05.20
  • Published : 2024.09.30
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Abstract

Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary condition considered by the progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the brain, resultant in motor dysfunction and cognitive impairment. Despite current treatment modalities including pharmaceuticals and various therapies, a definitive cure remains elusive. Therefore, this study investigates the therapeutic potential effect of Apelin-13 in HD management. Thirty male Wistar rats were allocated into three groups: a control group, a group with HD, and a group with both HD and administered Apelin-13. Apelin-13 was administered continuously over a 28-day period at a dosage of around 30 mg/kg to mitigate inflammation in rats subjected to 3-NP injection within an experimental HD model. Behavioral tests, such as rotarod, electromyography (EMG), elevated plus maze, and open field assessments, demonstrated that Apelin-13 improved motor function and coordination in rats injected with 3-NP. Apelin-13 treatment significantly increased neuronal density and decreased glial cell counts compared to the control group. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed reduced gliosis and expression of inflammatory factors in the treatment group. Moreover, Apelin-13 administration led to elevated levels of glutathione and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in the treated group. Apelin-13 demonstrates neuroprotective effects, leading to improved movement and reduced inflammatory and fibrotic factors in the HD model.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This work was financially supported by Hearing Disorders Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (registration no: 43002663).

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