Exploring the Neuroprotective Effects of Black Garlic Ethanol Extract on Acrylamide-Induced Brain Damage Through Apoptotic and Neurodegenerative Pathways

Abstract

This research focused on exploring the therapeutic impact of black garlic ethanol extract (BGE) on the brain tissue of rats exposed to acrylamide (ACR). Twenty-four female rats were divided into four groups. Rats in the control group were given 1 ml of saline by oral gavage for 14 days. The BG group received 5 mg/200 g of BGE extract on a daily basis. The ACR group was administered 40 mg/kg of ACR daily. Rats in the BGE+ACR group received both 5 mg/200 g of BG extract and 40 mg/kg of ACR daily. Brain tissue samples were collected at the study's conclusion for histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical analyses. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to examine the general structure of the brain tissue. Erk1/2, pERK1/2, and c-fos were analyzed immunohistochemically; Bcl-2, Caspase-3, ATF6, CREB, and NfkB-p65 protein levels were analyzed by Western blotting; and MDA, SOD, CAT, GSH, TNF-alpha, IL-1(3, and IL-6 activities and levels were analyzed using ELISA kits. It was determined that ACR application raised the levels of Erk1/2, p-ERK1/2, c-Fos, NfkB-p65, caspase-3, MDA, IL-6, IL-1-(3, and TNF-alpha, and BGE supplementation decreased this increase. ACR exposure caused a decrease in Bcl-2, ATF6, CREB, CAT, GSH, and SOD expressions, and BGE supplementation prevented or increased this decrease. Based on the findings obtained, it can be said that the ethanol extract of black garlic has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, prevents cell damage, and has positive effects on apoptosis in rat brain tissue.