Neuroprotective effect of Jujuboside A on CA1 hippocampal pyramidal cells of male rats after transient global ischemia/reperfusion

Introduction: Identification of the preventive factors of stroke has always been considered. Jujuboside A can remove reactive oxygen species (ROS) and seems to be a proper neuroprotective element with positive effects on post-stroke outcomes. The present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Jujuboside A on hippocampal pyramidal cells of male Wistar rats after induction of transient global ischemia/reperfusion. Methods: Our experimental study was conducted on 24 male Wistar rats in four groups: control, vehicle, ischemia, and Jujuboside A. Three days after induction of ischemia (20 min.), the brain was isolated and tissue sampling was done from the CA1 region of the hippocampus. TUNEL staining was performed to evaluate the effects of the intervention. The western blot method was used to measure the expression of BAX, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 proteins. Results: The results showed significant alterations of the cellular phenotype in the vehicle and ischemia groups compared with the control group. Jujuboside A prevented these alterations. The number of apoptotic cells increased after ischemia/reperfusion (p < 0.05) in the vehicle and ischemia groups. Jujuboside A significantly decreased necrotic and apoptotic cells (p < 0.05) in control and jujuboside A groups. Western blot data showed no significant differences in the expression of BAX, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 between the control group and the Jujuboside A group (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Data showed that Jujuboside A had a neuroprotective effect on the hippocampus and reduced neurotoxic effects caused by ischemia/reperfusion induction.