Investigating the Effects of Grape seed oil on Chronic Copper Induced Neurotoxicity and Brain copper Concentration in Male Rats

Introduction: Copper is the ۲۹th element on the periodic table and is a transition metal. It can pollute soil and water and there is a narrow range between its beneficial and harmful effects. Regarding to spatial memory impairment in high aged adults in industrial countries and considering the anti-oxidant and anti-aging effects of grape seed oil, we determined to evaluate the probable neuroprotective effects of grape seed oil on chronic copper toxicity. In this study the effects of chronic copper exposure on brain oxidative markers were evaluated and the possible protective effects of grape seed oil on different oxidative and neurotoxic parameters were assessed.Material and methods: In this study, ۴۲ Sprague-Dawley adult male rats were used. They divided into ۶ groups and received drugs (copper sulfate dissolved in their daily drinking water and sweetened with glucose) for ۶۰ consecutive days, standard grape seed oil oral gavage from day ۳۰ to day ۶۰ in every other day, and scopolamine IP injections during last ۱۰ days, and distilled water gavage as sham group. After ۶۰ days of treatments the brain tissues were extracted and FRAP test, protein carbonylation, lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels in brain tissues were determined using spectrometry methods. The brain copper levels were also determined in all animals using atomic absorption. Results: The results showed that the level of oxidative stress in the test group was significantly increased compared to the control group, which included a decrease (P <۰.۰۰۱) in the amount of regenerative glutathione and in antioxidant power as well as an increase in malondialdehyde and carbonyl protein. The results of the antioxidant effect of grape seed oil showed that it can significantly reduce oxidants in brain tissue of all animals after chronic exposure to copper sulfate. Brain levels of copper were significantly decreased in copper exposure groups which had received grape seed oil (P<۰.۰۵)Discussion and Conclusion: According to the results, chronic exposure to copper sulfate can cause glutathione depletion, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation impairment which is similar to that of scopolamine (the standard model for Alzheimer’s induction). Besides, grape seed oil was capable of reducing the brain copper levels in comparison with control group.