Nano-hesperetin enhances the functional recovery and endogenous remyelination of the optic pathway in focal demyelination model

• Published in: Brain research bulletin 2020-11, Vol.164, p.392-399
• Main Authors: Baradaran, Saeideh, Ghasemi-Kasman, Maryam, Moghaddam, Akbar Hajizadeh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Demyelination; Hesperetin; Lysolecithin; Nano-hesperetin; Optic chiasm
• ISSN: 0361-9230; 1873-2747
• DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2020.09.006

•Nano-Hst reduces the latency of VEP waves in lysolecithin-induced demyelination model.•Nano-Hst decreases the levels of activated microglia and reactive astrocytes in focal demyelination model of optic chiasm.•Nano-Hst enhances the endogenous remyelination of optic chiasm in lysolecithin–induced demyelination model. Our recent report demonstrated that hesperetin (Hst) as a citrus flavonoid, significantly reduces the levels of demyelination in optic chiasm of rats. Previous evidence also indicated that nano-hesperetin (nano-Hst) possesses beneficial impacts in experimental models of Alzheimer's disease and autism. In this study, the effects of nano-Hst on latency of visual signals, demyelination levels, glial activation, and expression of Olig2 and MBP were evaluated in lysolecithin (LPC)-induced demyelination model. Focal demyelination was induced by injection of LPC (1%, 2 μL) into the rat optic chiasm. Animals received oral administration of nano-Hst at dose of 20 mg/kg for 14 or 21 days post LPC injection. Visual evoked potential (VEP) recording showed that nano-Hst reduces the latency of visual signals and ameliorates the extent of demyelination areas and glial activation. Expression levels of the Olig2 and MBP were also significantly increased in nano-Hst treated rats. Overall, our data suggest that nano-Hst reduces the latency of visual signals through its protective effects on myelin sheath, amelioration of glial activation, and enhancement of endogenous remyelination.