Effects of daidzein on post‐stroke injury and recovery of function in the rat

Abstract

Treatments to reduce negative outcomes associated with stroke and/or improve functional recovery are needed. A recent study from our laboratory demonstrated the ability of a soy protein‐based diet to decrease the severity of post‐stroke behavioral deficits when provided before the onset of stroke. One potential contributor to the observed effects is daidzein, a bioactive isoflavone found in soy foods. In the current study, we aimed to determine the effectiveness of daidzein as a post‐stroke treatment and its ability to produce protective effects in the brain which may lead to enhanced behavioral recovery after stroke. To test this hypothesis, young adult male rats underwent a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) to produce a stroke lesion. Immediately after the MCAO procedure, rats were treated with either daidzein or vehicle via subcutaneous osmotic minipumps. Forelimb function was assessed using the skilled ladder rung walking task to determine post‐stroke behavioral effects and gauge functional recovery in all groups. In addition, gross locomotor performance was analyzed using the accelerating rotarod walking task. No significant difference was detected in rotarod performance between groups, although a possible trend was noted. Analyses of stroke lesion volume, skilled ladder rung walking data, and neuronal survival are ongoing. Supported by: SIUC REACH program, SIUC School of MedicineGrant Funding Source : None