Role of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract in alleviating cerebellar ataxia induced by monosodium glutamate in rodent model

Objective: Studying the antioxidant properties of Moringa oleifera (MO) leaf extract as a prevention and treatment therapy on monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced cerebellar ataxia rat model and investigating the role of Nrf2-Keap1 pathway. Methods: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into four groups. Control group: six rats were administered distilled water orally for ten days. MSG group: eight rats received 4 g/kg bw of MSG orally for ten days. MSG + MO prevention group: eight rats received oral MSG 4 g/kg bw for ten days and 400 mg/kg bw of MO leaf extract orally for 21 days. MSG + MO treatment group: eight rats received 4 g/kg bw MSG orally for ten days, then 400 mg/kg bw of MO leaf extract orally for 21 days. We conducted basal and motor behavioral assessments. We carried out a histopathological inspection and a biochemical analysis to measure oxidative stress markers MDA and GSH levels in the cerebellar tissue. We also conducted an immunohistochemical analysis to evaluate the nuclear expression of Nrf2. Results: MO prevention and treatment therapy increased some motor behavior parameters. Both increased Purkinje cell survival (P <0.01), GSH levels, and nuclear Nrf2 expression. MO prevention therapy decreased MDA levels compared to MSG P <0.01. Conclusions: MO prevention and treatment therapy have a possible neuroprotective effect on MSG-induced cerebellar ataxia rat model through the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway. Still, MO prevention therapy may have the upper hand over treatment therapy.