Flaxseed Oil: Safeguarding Neurological Health through Apoptosis and Oxidative Damage Defense

Aims: The present study aims to investigate the neuroprotective properties of flaxseed oil (FSO) in reducing cadmium-induced neurotoxicity. The neuroprotective properties of FSO were observed in rats by examining the expression of caspase-3 and Bcl-2 to determine the antiapoptotic capabilities of FSO. Methods: Rats were given cadmium orally at a dosage of 5 mg/kg/day for 30 days, along with flaxseed oil (FSO) at doses of 2ml/kg/day and 3ml/kg/day for the same duration. The Morris watermaze test (MWM) and the Novel object recognition test (NOR) were performed to evaluate learning and memory abilities. We quantified the amounts of glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity (AChE) in the entire brain homogenate. Additionally, apoptosis and histopathology studies were conducted on rat brain tissues. Results: Intoxication with cadmium was associated with significant impairment of learning and memory in Morris watermaze (MWM) and novel object recognition (NOR) tests. The group that consumed Cd showed elevated levels of MDA, NO, and AChE in the brain homogenate, higher levels of caspase-3 and Bcl-2, and decreased levels of GSH compared to the control group. Animals treated with FSO exhibited improved learning and memory function, along with balanced levels of oxidative and cholinergic activity in brain tissue. Additionally, levels of caspase-3 and Bcl-2 were reduced in a similar way to the control group. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that flaxseed oil has positive effects by raising GSH and antiapoptotic potential levels while reducing MDA, NO, and AChE levels in the brain. This contributes to neuroprotection and decreases neuronal death, as supported by histopathological findings.