Baicalein attenuates impaired hippocampal neurogenesis and the neurocognitive deficits induced by γ-ray radiation.
OBJECTIVE
Whole-brain irradiation (WBI) therapy produces learning and memory deficits in patients with brain tumours. Although the pathological cascade of cognitive deficits remains unknown, it may involve reduced neurogenesis within the hippocampus. Baicalein is a flavonoid derived from the roots of Huangqin, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, and has been shown to have antioxidant effects. Here, we have investigated the protective effects of baicalein on irradiation-induced impairments in hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function.


METHODS
Radioprotective effects of baicalein were evaluated in C17.2 neural progenitor cells and 6-week-old male C57BL/6 mice during hippocampal neurogenesis. Mice were given a single dose of 5 Gy WBI. Changes in hippocampal neurogenesis, oxidative stress and BDNF-pCREB signalling were evaluated. Morris water maze and passive avoidance test were used to assess learning and memory.


RESULTS
Baicalein protected neural progenitor cells against irradiation-induced necrotic cell death. Pretreatment with baicalein attenuated the irradiation-induced impairment of hippocampal neurogenesis by modulating oxidative stress and elevating BDNF-pCREB signalling. Furthermore, baicalein prevented the spatial learning and memory retention deficits follwing WBI.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that baicalein can be viewed as a potential therapeutic agent that protects against the impaired neurogenesis induced by WBI, and its neurocognitive consequences.
Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, and Molecular Inflammation Research Center for Aging Intervention, Pusan National University, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, Korea.
Shin Bi
SB
Oh
Hee Ra
HR
Park
Young Jung
YJ
Jang
Seon Young
SY
Choi
Tae Gen
TG
Son
Jaewon
J
Lee
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D016923:Cell Death / Q000187:drug effects; D002460:Cell Line; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D044950:Flavanones / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005720:Gamma Rays; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D058953:Neural Stem Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D055495:Neurogenesis / Q000187:drug effects; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects
D000975:Antioxidants; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D044950:Flavanones; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; C006680:baicalein