The effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on aversive memory in a premature ovarian failure model in rat

Cognitive impairment occurs in cisplatin-induced premature ovarian failure (POF). The impacts of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on passive avoidance memory, oxidative stress markers, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the POF model were examined. POF was induced by cisplatin (2 mg/kg, IP/7 days). In the POF + Probiotic, POF + Prebiotic, and POF + Synbiotic groups, the treatments were done during 28 days after 7 days of cisplatin injection. The POF model was confirmed by a decrease in developing follicles. A decrease in latency in the passive avoidance test was seen in the POF group (p < 0.05-p < 0.001) along with a decrease in thiol and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and AChE (p < 0.01-p < 0.001). An improvement in latency time in the passive avoidance test was seen in all POF + Probiotic, POF + Prebiotic, and POF + Synbiotic groups (p < 0.05-p < 0.001). Treatment with probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics improved thiol, SOD, and attenuated AChE activity in the hippocampus, cortex, and cerebellum (p < 0.05-p < 0.001). Our results confirm that probiotics, prebiotics, and their combination as synbiotics have protective effects against oxidative stress-related brain injury and improve aversive memory and cholinergic function in a POF model in rats.