Indole-3-carbinol mitigates oxidative stress and inhibits inflammation in rat cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model

Ischemia is a significant pathogenetic factor of stroke with very limited treatment options. The objective of our research was to evaluate the protective properties of indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and its effect on redox status parameters, inflammation, and apoptosis intensity in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI) in rats. I3C administration to CIRI rats decreased levels of oxidative stress markers and improved aerobic metabolism compared to the animals with CIRI. A decrease in myeloperoxidase activity, proinflammatory cytokines mRNA levels, and expression of redox-sensitive factor Nuclear Factor-κB was observed in rats with CIRI that received I3C. I3C-treated rats with pathology showed decreased caspase activity and apoptosis-inducing factor expression, compared to the animals in the CIRI group. Obtained data indicate that I3C has a neuroprotective and anti-ischemic effect in CIRI that may be related to its antioxidant properties and ability to reduce the inflammatory response and apoptosis.