The passive avoidance memory improving effect of curcumin in young adult mice: Considering hippocampal MMP-2, MMP-9 and Akt/GSK3β

This study aimed to assess the effect of curcumin on passive avoidance memory in adult young mice. Additionally, the hippocampal contents of MMP-2, MMP-9 and Akt/GSK3β were determined. Male mice weighing 20–25 g were trained in passive avoidance apparatus. Curcumin 50 or 100 mg/kg/po (according to our initial tests) or its vehicle was administered for 10 days. On day 10 the training was done and the retention trial was performed 24 h later. At the complement of behavioral studies, the hippocampal tissue was isolated and western blot analysis was performed for MMP-2, MMP-9 and Akt/GSK3β. The results indicated that curcumin improved passive avoidance memory. Moreover, it elevated hippocampal MMP-2,9 and p-Akt/t-Akt while it decreased the activated form of GSK-3β. According to these findings, it seems that curcumin improves memory and affects hippocampal MMP-2, MMP-9 and Akt/GSK3β signaling molecules in young adult animals.Graphical abstract

Source: PharmaNutrition - July 5, 2018 Category: Nutrition Source Type: research