Effects of hyperuricemia on cognitive function, oxidative stress and apoptosis of hippocampal neurons in rats

Abstract

Objective To observe the learning and memory ability, oxidative stress, apoptosis morphological changes in the hippocampus, and to explore the effects of hyperuricemia on cognitive function. Methods 51 healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups(17 in each group): Blank group, Distilled water group and Hyperuricemia group.Using the lavage methods of yeast extract combined with ethambutol to establish hyperuricemic model.Morris water maze test was used to measure the learning and memory ability.The levels of MDA, GSH-Px, ASAFR, SOD were measured through chemical colorimetry.Hippocampus morphology structures were observed under the HE staining light microscopy to detect the apoptosis of hippocampus cone cell with TUNEL. Results The average escaped latency and passing platform times of Blank group had no significant difference compared with those of Distilled water group and Hyperuricemia group (all P>0.05). GSH-Px, ASAFR, SOD of Hyperuricemia group ((83.70±5.47)nmol/mg, (606.03±46.61)U/L and (55.05±2.11)units/mg) were increased compared with those of Blank group ((67.28±8.37)nmol/mg, (473.84±57.64)U/L, (45.79±2.05)units/mg) and Distilled water group ((71.96±9.47)nmol/mg, (505.97±47.19)U/L, (46.24±3.65)units/mg)(all P 0.05). Conclusion Hyperuricemia has antioxidant effect on hippocampal neurons and has no effect on cognitive function and hippocampal neural morphology in rats. Key words: Hyperuricemia; Antioxidant; Apoptosis; Hippocampus; Cognitive function