Aspirin or omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids protects against cortico-hippocampal neurodegeneration and downregulates lipoxin A4 production and formyl peptide receptor-like 1 expression in pentylenetetrazole-kindled rats
ABSTRACT
There is evidence for a relationship between inflammation and seizures as epilepsy can be caused by or result in inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of aspirin and/or ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3-PUFAs) on seizure activity and neurodegeneration in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-kindled rats focusing on their effect on cortico-hippocampal production of lipoxin A4 (LXA4) and expression of formyl peptide receptor-like 1 (FPRL1) receptors. Male rats were injected with PTZ (35 mg/kg, i.p) trice a week for a total of fifteen doses. Rats were treated daily with aspirin (20 mg/kg, i.p), ω3-PUFAs (85 mg/kg, p.o) or a combination of them for 35 days. LXA4 level and expression of FPRL1 receptor in the cortex and hippocampi of rats’ brain was greater in PTZ-kindled rats compared to saline group. Co-treatment with aspirin and/or ω3-PUFAs reduced the convulsive behavior, reduced level of LXA4, interleukin-1β, nuclear factor-κB and showed lower percent of cortico-hippocampal degenerative cells compared to PTZ-kindled rats. The combination of the two therapeutic agents did not provide significant improvement in comparison to monotherapies. These findings suggest the use of aspirin or ω3-PUFAs with hope to retard the development of seizures and provide neuroprotection in a clinical setting.
