Neuroprotective Efficacy of A Combination of Fish Oil and Bacopa Monnieri Against 3-Nitropropionic Acid Induced Oxidative Stress in Rats

AIM: Despite the evidence on the beneficial effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) on neurodegenerative conditions, several concerns have been raised since PUFA may increase oxidative stress resulting in the formation of lipid peroxides. Hence addition of antioxidants/phytochemicals is recommended. In the present study, we have used fish oil (FO) in combination with Bacopa monnieri (BM) and examined the neuroprotective propensity of the combination (FO+BM) employing chronic 3-nitropropionic acid (NPA) model of neurotoxicity in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Growing male rats administered NPA (10 mg/kg bw, 14d) were supplemented with FO (2 mL/kg bw), BM (100 mg/kg bw) or combination (FO+BM) for 14 days. RESULTS: Higher degree of protection was discernible among FO+BM rats against NPA induced behavioral alterations. Further, NPA administration resulted in significantly elevated oxidative markers in brain regions (striatum- St, cerebellum- Cb) while robust protection was evident among rats supplemented with FO+BM. Depleted GSH levels in St were restored among all the supplemented groups. The combination also predominantly normalized the activity of antioxidant enzymes in brain regions. Further, significantly depleted dopamine levels in St were partially restored only among FO+BM rats. However, the combination did not offer protection against NPA induced mitochondrial dysfunction. CONCLUSION: The present data clearly suggests that it is possible to enhance the degree of neuroprotection by a combination of FO with phytochemicals (such as BM) and thus provides an improved strategy for the treatment/ management of oxidative stress mediated neurodegenerative conditions.