Neuroprotective effects of short-term and long-term administration of genistein on ET-1 induced ischemic stroke rats

Abstract

Stroke is classically characterized as a neurological deficit caused by an acute focal injury in the central nervous system and is a major cause of disability and death worldwide. Various treatments for stroke are currently available like tPA, including neuroprotective drugs like estrogen. However, estrogen has its own side effects and hence, naturally occurring phytoestrogens like genistein are being looked into as potential neuroprotectors in ischemic stroke. We looked into the effect of an acute dose of genistein (10mg/kg) and a prolonged dose of genistein (1mg/kg every day for ten days) one hour prior to ET-1 induced ischemic stroke in rats. Our behavioural studies, including the reach to grasp task, cylinder task, gait analysis and the horizontal ladder task, showed that both short-term and long-term genistein administration before stroke were able to lessen the motor deficits caused by stroke. These studies were validated by histological studies (Golgi-Cox staining and TTC staining). Golgi-Cox staining showed that both short-term and long-term administration of genistein helps in the recovery of neuronal atrophy evident in stroke induced rat brains. These results show that genistein has neuroprotective effects in stroke. However, the mechanisms have to be elucidated further. This study has implications in medical research and forms a potential basis of development for further therapeutic strategies.