Potential Neuroprotective Effect of Nanomicellar Curcumin on Learning and Memory Functions Following Subacute Exposure to Bisphenol A in Adult Male Rats

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical commonly utilized in the manufacture of plastics, which may cause damage to brain tissue. Curcumin is a phytochemical with protective effects against neurological and mental diseases. The purpose of this research was to evaluate whether nanomicellar curcumin (NmCur) might protect rats against BPA-induced learning and memory deficits. After determining the proper dose of BPA, the animals were randomly divided into 8 groups (8 rats in each group) receiving dextrose 5% (as vehicle of NmCur) (Dex), sesame oil (as vehicle of BPA) (Sea), Sea plus Dex, NmCur (50 mg/kg), BPA (50 mg/kg), and 50 mg/kg BPA plus 10, 25, and 50 mg/kg NmCur groups, respectively. Behavioral tests performed using passive avoidance training (PAT), open-field (OF), and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. The expression of oxidative stress markers, proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress-scavenging enzymes, glutamate receptors, and MAPK and memory-related proteins was measured in rat hippocampus and cortical tissues. BPA up-regulated ROS, MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, SOD, GST, p-P38, and p-JNK levels; however, it down-regulated GSH, GPx, GR, CAT, p-AKT, p-ERK1/2, p-NR1, p-NR2A, p-NR2B, p-GluA1, p-CREB, and BDNF levels. BPA decreased step-through latency (STL) and peripheral and total, but not central, locomotor activity. It increased the time to find the hidden platform, the mean of escape latency time, and the traveled distance in the target quadrant, but decreased the time spent in the target quadrant. The combination of BPA (50 mg/kg) and NmCur (25 and 50 mg/kg) reversed all of BPA's adverse effects. Therefore, NmCur exhibited neuroprotective effects against subacute BPA-caused learning and memory impairment.