Effect of neuroprotective protocols on ngf levels and oxidative state in rat cortex

The pro-oxidant effects of air pollutants can exacerbate the age-related increase in oxidative stress in brain that is related to the decline of the antioxidant defense systems. The present study investigated the protective effect of regular exercise and/or Curcumin (an active ingredient of turmeric) against lead-induced neurotoxicity in rat cortex. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into following groups: lead acetate, curcumin, endurance training, training + curcumin, sham groups. The exercise training protocol consisted of running on a treadmill at a progressive intensity for 8 weeks. The rats in sham group received curcumin solvent (ethyl oleat) while the others received lead acetate (20 mg/kg). Moreover, the curcumin and training + curcumin groups received curcumin solution (30 mg/kg), intraperitoneally. Exposure to lead acetate caused an increase in lipid peroxidation (MDA) and a decrease in nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in cerebral cortex and plasma TAC as compared with control. Whereas, regular exercise and/ or supplementary Curcumin reversed this process. Interestingly, co-treatment with Curcumin and exercise caused a significant decrease in MDA with concomitant increase in NGF and TAC levels, as compared with those treated with Curcumin or lead alone. The results suggest a lifestyle-induced neuroprotective potential in ameliorating lead-induced neurotoxicity.