Upregulation of Antioxidant Gene Expressions and Enzyme Activity Against Acrylamide-Induced Neurotoxicity in Mice after Grape Seed Extract Treatment

Abstract

Background: The risk of occupational exposure to acrylamide is high and long-term acrylamide exposure can cause neurotoxicity. Thus, therapeutic agents that can protect against acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity are needed. Objective: To investigate whether Grape Seed Extract (GSE) protects against acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity in mice. Methods: Mice were divided into saline, GSE, acrylamide, GSE followed by acrylamide, acrylamide followed by GSE, and simultaneous acrylamide and GSE treatment groups. Gene expression and antioxidant enzyme levels were then determined using RT-PCR and biochemical assays. Results: Gpx1 (P < 0.05), Prdx3 (P < 0.01), SOD1 (P < 0.05), and CAT (P < 0.05) significantly upregulated in GSE-treated mice, compared to those in untreated controls. In contrast, Gpx1 (P < 0.05), Prdx3 (P < 0.05), SOD1 (P < 0.05), and CAT (P < 0.05) significantly downregulated in acrylamide-treated mice compared to those in untreated controls. Results of the treatment with GSE before exposure to acrylamide or simultaneously with acrylamide indicated that GSE restored Gpx1, Prdx3, SOD1, and CAT expression to similar levels as those in the control group. GSE treatment after exposure to acrylamide did not exert any neuroprotective effects against acrylamide, as revealed by significant downregulation of Gpx1 (P < 0.05), Prdx3 (P < 0.01), SOD1 (P < 0.05), and CAT (P < 0.05) compared to that in untreated controls. Animals treated with grape seed before acrylamide treatment showed no significant change in LPO activities and a significant increase in GSH levels, compared to those in untreated controls. Conclusion: GSE exerted neuroprotective effects against acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity. Acrylamide caused oxidative stress 20 days post-exposure. However, grape seed treatment before exposure to acrylamide restored all test parameters to levels similar to control values.