Effects of Ficus exasperata on neurotransmission and expression of BDNF, tau, ACHE and BACE in diabetic rats

• Published in: Metabolism open 2024-12, Vol.24, p.100333, Article 100333
• Main Authors: Adeyomoye, Olorunsola Israel, Adetunji, Juliana Bunmi, Olaniyan, Olugbemi Temitope, Adetunji, Charles Oluwaseun, Ebenezer, Ogunmiluyi Oluwafunmbi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Diabetes mellitus; Ficus exasperata, neurotransmission; Kaur-16-ene; Neuroprotective properties; Original Research Paper
• ISSN: 2589-9368; 2589-9368
• DOI: 10.1016/j.metop.2024.100333

Diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder, has significant global health implications, particularly due to its neurological complications, such as diabetic neuropathy. This condition increases the risk of neurodegenerative diseases by affecting peripheral nerves and cognition. Ficus exasperata, known for its neuroprotective properties, shows promise as a therapeutic option for addressing these complications. This study evaluates the effects of methanol extract of Ficus exasperata (MEFE) on neurotransmission and the expression of Tau, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), acetylcholinesterase (ACHE), and Beta-Site Amyloid Precursor Protein Cleaving Enzyme (BACE) in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. The controlled experimental design involved 20 Wistar rats divided into four groups (n = 5): control, diabetic untreated, diabetes + MEFE (200 mg/kg), and diabetes + insulin (0.3 IU). The methanol extract was prepared using cold maceration, and an aliquot was subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Constituents of MEFE were docked with neurologic receptors. Blood glucose levels were measured using the glucose oxidase method, and neurotransmitter levels, antioxidants, oxidative stress markers, and the expression of Tau, BDNF, ACHE, and BACE were assessed using standard procedures and qRT-PCR. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA at P