RESUMEN
This study evaluates some of the neuromodulatory mechanisms of the memory loss preventive effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in a scopolamine (Sco)-induced rat model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) type dementia. Our results confirmed that Sco administration induces significant memory impairment, worsens exploratory behaviour and habituation, increases acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and induces pathological monoamine content changes in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. ALA administration largely prevented Sco-induced memory impairment. It also improved exploratory behaviour and preserved habituation, and it decreased AChE activity, reversing it to control group levels, and corrected aberrant monoamine levels in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. According to the data available, this is the first time that ALA-induced changes in AChE and monoamine levels in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus (brain structures related to learning and memory) have been demonstrated in a Sco-induced rat model of AD type dementia.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedad de Alzheimer , Ácido Tióctico , Acetilcolinesterasa , Enfermedad de Alzheimer/tratamiento farmacológico , Animales , Trastornos de la Memoria/tratamiento farmacológico , Trastornos de la Memoria/etiología , Trastornos de la Memoria/prevención & control , Ratas , Escopolamina/toxicidad , Ácido Tióctico/farmacología , Ácido Tióctico/uso terapéuticoRESUMEN
Oxidative stress (OS), resulting from a disrupted balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protective antioxidants, is thought to play an important pathogenetic role in several diseases, including viral infections. Alpha-lipoic acid (LA) is one of the most-studied and used natural compounds, as it is endowed with a well-defined antioxidant and immunomodulatory profile. Owing to these properties, LA has been tested in several chronic immunoinflammatory conditions, such as diabetic neuropathy and metabolic syndrome. In addition, a pharmacological antiviral profile of LA is emerging, that has attracted attention on the possible use of this compound for the cotreatment of several viral infections. Here, we will review the emerging literature on the potential use of LA in viral infections, including COVID-19.