Evaluation of the effects of taurine treatment on apoptotic processes, miR-34a, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers in intracerebroventricular Amyloid Beta 1-42 injected rats

We aimed to investigate the effect of taurine especially on apoptosis and also inflammatory and oxidative processes in an Alzheimer-like disease model induced by intracerebroventricular(icv) Amyloid Beta 1-42(Aβ1-42) injection.30 Wistar Albino rats were divided into 4 groups: Control(n:7), Taurine(n:7), icv Aβ1-42(n:8), icv Aβ1-42+taurine(n:8). After administration of icv Aβ1-42 to the relevant groups, taurine groups received taurine by oral gavage at 250 mg/kg/day for 32 days. Rats were sacrificed on day 33. Analysis were performed on rat brain tissue. To evaluate the apoptosis bax, bcl-2, cleaved caspase-3 proteins were analyzed by Western Blot. miR-34a, which is associated with apoptosis, was analyzed by qPCR. Parameters such as TAS(Total Antioxidant Status), TOS(Total Oxidant Status), Malondialdehyde(MDA), Glutathione(GSH) and cytokines such as IL-1β, TNFα, IL-10 which related to oxidative and inflammatory processes were investigated by ELISA and colorimetric tests. Non-parametric tests were used and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Demonstration of the presence of Aβ plaques by Congo Red staining and cognitive impairment in Morris Water Maze Test showed the formation of appropriate Alzheimer-like disease model. Apoptotic proteins such as bax and cleaved caspase-3 increased and anti-apoptotic bcl-2 protein decreased with Aβ1-42, which was absent in Aβ1-42+taurine group. Plasma miR-34a decreased with Aβ1-42, whereas brain miR-34a remained unchanged. Aβ1-42 increased serum TOS and brain MDA, whereas no change in Aβ1-42+taurine group. IL-10 were higher in Aβ1-42+taurine group compared to Aβ1-42 group.Taurine may be used as a supportive agent in the treatment of cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer's disease, if supported by further studies.