EFFECT OF MALIC ACID AND CHLOROGENIC ACID ON ALUMINIUM-INDUCED NEUROTOXICITY IN ALBINO RATS

Abstract

Aluminium is one of the most common neuro-toxicants on the earth crust and its neurotoxicity is directly linked to its bioavailability. In biological systems, it has been shown to accumulate in many mammalian tissues especially the brain tissue and its elimination half-life from human brain is calculated to be approximately seven years. Malic acid (MA) is a naturally occurring, nontoxic organic dicarboxylic acid known to be involved in the processes of generating adenosine triphosphate through Krebs cycle, and play a pivotal role in mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate synthesis. It has also been found to be a potent chelator of Aluminium in biological systems. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is one of the most common polyphenolic compounds readily available in different kinds of fruits and vegetables, wine, spices and in coffee. Its neuroprotective effects and antioxidant potentials have also been well reported. This study was aimed at investigating the modulatory mechanisms of malic acid and chlorogenic acid in oxidative and neurological assaults by aluminium and also at the determination of the combinatorial effects of these acids in oxidative stress and neuronal architectural distortions in male albino rats. The rats were assaulted with AlCl3 and the in vivo evaluation of antioxidant activities of MA and CGA separately and combined was carried out as typified by Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase activities; reduced glutathione concentration and lipid peroxidation inhibition. Anti-inflammatory activity was performed by Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity assay. The neuroprotective activities were evaluated by assessing the acetylcholinesterase activities, Na+/K+-ATPase activities, dopamine concentration, and Glutathione transferases (GST) activities. The in vivo antioxidant results revealed significantly higher (p<0.05) antioxidant activity of the MA-CGA combination v than the separate treatment with these acids. The result also showed that separate treatment with these acids gave a significant neuroprotective effect and MA-CGA combination gave a more significant neuroprotection against AlCl3 assault. These findings thus show a possible synergy between chlorogenic acid and malic acid in the challenge of oxidative stress and neurotoxicity caused by aluminium exposure.