The Potential Protective Role of Flaxseed Oil on the Cerebellar Cortex in a Rat Model of D-Galactose-Induced Aging: Histological and Immunohistochemical Study

Abstract

Introduction: Aging is a natural process which affects various body's organs. Animal aging models are usually created using D-galactose (D-gal). Flaxseed oil (FSO) is nutritional supplement filled with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that have many health benefits.Aim of the Work: The goal of this work was to explore the possible protective impact of flaxseed oil on the cerebellar cortex in a rat model of D-gal-induced aging.Materials and Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were equally classified into four groups: Group I (Control), group II (FSO): Received flaxseed oil 1.2 ml/kg/day, group III (D-gal): Received D-galactose 200 mg/kg/day, group IV (D-gal + FSO): Received flaxseed oil and D-galactose using the identical dosages as earlier groups. For six weeks, the medication was administered once daily. At the end of this experiment, cerebellum samples were collected and provided for microscopic analysis under both light and electron microscopes. Studies using morphometrics and statistics were conducted.Results: D-galactose treated group revealed severe alterations in cerebellar cortex. Molecular layer exhibited pyknotic nuclei and vacuolated neuropil. Purkinje cells appeared shrunken, irregularly shaped with shrunken heterochromatic nucleus and dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum. Many Purkinje cells were lost leaving empty spaces. Granule cells seemed to be shrunken, darkly stained and clumped in groups. Highly Significant rise in GFAP, caspase-3 and highly Significant decline in calbindin immunoreactivity relative to control group were also noticed. Highly significant changes in serum malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase levels relative to control group were detected. Flaxseed oil administration with D-galactose minimized these changes.Conclusion: Flaxseed oil can provide neuroprotective impact in the aging process through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.