Protective role of chitosan oligosaccharide on blast brain injury in rats

Abstract

Objective To investigate the protective role of chitosan oligosaccharide on blast brain injury (BBI) in rats. Methods Ninety male SD rats were divided into control group, BBI group and chitosan oligosaccharide group according to the random number table, with 30 rats per group. A model of BBI was induced by high pressure shock wave. Rats in chitosan oligosaccharide group received chitosan oligosaccharide (20 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally once a day for 5 days after the induction of BBI. For control and BBI groups, an equal amount of normal saline was given. Rat neurological severity score (NSS) was evaluated using the maze test, pole test and reflection test. Brain tissue pathological changes were observed using HE staining. Activity of catalase (CAT) and contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in brain tissues were determined using the ELISA method. Protein expressions of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in brain tissues were tested using the Western blot and immunefluorescence method . Expressions of TNF-α and NF-κB mRNA in brain tissues were determined using the Real time PCR. Results Mean NSS was 0 point in control group, 5.52 points in BBI group, and 3.56 points in chitosan oligosaccharide group (P 0.05). Conclusion Chitosan oligosaccharide can protect rats against BBI by down-regulating expressions of TNF-α and NF-κB and reducing oxidative damage. Key words: Brain injuries; Blast injuries; Chitosan; Inflammation; Oxidative stress