Efecto antioxidante del ácido oleico e hidroxitirosol en un modelo experimental similar a la enfermedad de Huntington

Abstract

Free radicals play an important role in neuronal alterations during the progression of neurodegenerative disorders and brain aging. Mediterranean-style diet has been associated to a reduction in the risk to develop neurodegenerative disorders. Objectives. This study was designed to test whether oleic acid and hydroxytyrosol, both components of extra-virgin olive oil, exert an antioxidant and protective effect in the brain subjected to oxidative stress induced by 3-nitropropionic acid. Methods. 3-Nitropropionic acid was administered intraperitoneally to animals at a dose of 20 mg/kg for 4 consecutive days. Oleic acid (given at a dose equivalent to 4% of the calories ingested every day per animal) and hydroxytyrosol (2,5 mg/kg, dissolved in aqueoussolution) were administered during 14 consecutive days to Wistar rats. Results. 3-Nitropropionic acid caused increased levels of lipid peroxidation and glutathione peroxidase activity, and a depletion in the concentration of reduced glutathione. Our findings also demonstrate that oleic acid and hydroxytyrosol reduce the levels of lipid peroxidation and prevent the depletion of reduced glutathione in the brain induced by the administration of 3-nitropropionic acid. Conclusion. Both oleic acid and hydroxytyrosol act as potent antioxidants against the oxidative damage induced by 3-nitropropionic acid.