Neuroprotective and Immunomodulatory Role of Withania Somnifera Root Extract on Sleep Deprived Wistar Rats

Abstract

BACKGROUND newlineIn our modern era millions of people experiences sleep deprivation on a daily basis which affects the homeostasis. Withania somnifera (WS) is extensively used for its immunomodulatory and neuroprotective properties. Hence we plan to assess the effect of WS root extract in sleep deprived rats. newline OBJECTIVE newline To assess the role of WS root extract on behavior, neurotransmitters, biochemical profile with mRNA and protein expression of immune markers and IGF-beta with histo-pathological changes in sleep deprivation (SD) newlineMATERIALS AND METHODS newline Rats were divided into four groups. Group I cage control, II - large platform control, III - sleep deprived rats and IV - WS treated SD group respectively. Animals of group III were subjected to SD for one week and group IV were pre-treated with ethanolic extract of WS. Behavioral assessment and other biochemical parameters, neurotransmitters, gene expression of pro and anti-inflammatory markers, IGF-beta and histopathological observation were done on SD rats. newlineRESULTS newlineIn behavioral analysis, SD rats showed decreased locomotor activity in OPM and EPM which is supported by increased oxidative stress parameters and decreased antioxidant levels. Also there was a significant decrease in neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, increase in TC, TG, LDL and decrease in HDL levels were seen. The gene expression and protein expression of pro-inflammatory markers were significantly elevated and the anti-inflammatory marker and the growth factor was significantly decreased in SD rats. Withania somnifera reverted the changes induced after SD in all parameters. newlineCONCLUSION newlineThe results of our study showed that sleep deprivation is a higher stressor. Ashwagandha restored pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines, neurotransmitters, antioxidants and histopathological changes in the cortex of sleep deprived rats. Hence can be used as one of the potential therapeutic drug for the treatment of sleep deprivation-induced neuronal diseases. newline