Evaluation of Neuroprotective Role of Coenzyme Q 10 in Attenuating Changes of Hippocampus Induced by Diet Coke Consumption in Adult Male Albino Rats

Abstract

Background: Diet Coke contains a non-nutritive sweetener; aspartame may lead to memory loss and changes in behavior. Coenzyme Q 10 is a powerful endogenous antioxidant within the inner membrane of mitochondria. It has a neuroprotective effect against lipid peroxidation and impairment of memory in aged animals. Aim: To evaluate Coenzyme Q 10's ameliorative effects on the histopathological changes caused by Diet Coke consumption in adult male albino rats, using histological and immunohistochemical techniques. Subjects and Methods: 40 adult male albino rats were equally randomized into 4 groups and received all treatments for 21 days. Group I, control. Group II, Coenzyme Q 10; a daily oral dose of 200 mg/kg was administered. Group III was given orally twice a day, 2.5 ml of diet Coke. Group IV, Coenzyme Q 10 with Diet Coke was given concomitantly. All animals were sacrificed after 21 days. Sections stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin stain, Mallory's phosphotungestic acid hematoxylin (PTAH), and Cresyl fast violet stains. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and caspase 3 immunostaining were also used. Results: Coenzyme Q 10 reversed almost all the histopathological changes induced by Diet Coke and decreased caspase 3 and GFAP immunoreaction, in the hippocampus CA3 region. Conclusion: Coenzyme Q 10 has an ameliorative role in attenuating histopathological changes in the hippocampus induced by Diet Coke consumption in adult male albino rats.