The Potential of Moringa oleifera to Induce Cerebral Leptin mRNA Expression and to Attenuate Oxidative Stress, Cognitive and Motor Deficits, Depression- and Anxiety- Like Behavior in Experimental Obese Model

Abstract

Moringa oleifera showed an evident role against obesity and leptin resistance. However, Moringa oleifera potential effects on alteration of moods, cognitive as well as motor deficits in obese animal model have not been evaluated in a mechanistic way. So, the aim of the current study is to examine the potential of Moringa oleifera to induce cerebral leptin mRNA expression, and consequently its effects on amelioration of behavioral and biochemical alterations in obese female rats. Ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera was orally administered (600 mg/kg b.wt) for 12 weeks to those obese rats. Memory behavior, depression- and anxiety-like behavior, as well as motor activity were examined by object recognition test, forced swim test, light and dark test, and open field test, respectively. Leptin mRNA gene expression and its concentration were determined in cerebral cortex using quantitative real time-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde and glutathione were also evaluated in the cerebral cortex. Moringa oleifera significantly up-regulated cerebral leptin mRNA expression and its level, as well compared to control obese rats. Moreover, Moringa oleifera decreased lipid peroxidation significantly, whereas they improved glutathione significantly in comparison with those untreated rats. Regarding behavioral deficits, Moringa oleifera attenuated the declined memory, depression and anxiety- like behavior, as well as the motor deficit that observed in obese untreated rats. This study indicated the potential of Moringa oleifera in triggering cerebral leptin mRNA expression, hence protection of brain from oxidative damage as well as improvement of cognition, moods and motor deficits in obese rats.