Morin attenuates memory deficits in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease by ameliorating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation

This study aimed to investigate the effect of flavonoid morin on oxidative/nitrosative stress, neuroinflammation, and histological, molecular, and behavioral changes caused by amyloid-beta (A beta)(1-42) in male Wistar rats (Alz-heimer's disease model). Rats received morin (20 mg/kg, oral gavage) for 14 consecutive days after intra-hippocampal injection of A beta(1-42). Morin decreased the levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, increased glutathione content, and enhanced catalase activity in the hippocampus of animals receiving A beta(1-42). It also reduced the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, nuclear factor-kappa B, and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits 2A and 2B and increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in the hippocampus of A beta(1-42)-injected rats. Besides, morin modified neuronal loss and histological changes in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Morin allowed A beta(1-42)-infused rats to swim more time in the target quadrant in the Morris water maze test. It is concluded that morin may be suitable for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease by strengthening the antioxidant system, inhibiting neuroinflammation, preventing neuronal death, and enhancing memory function.