PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF NARINGIN AGAINST CEREBRAL INFARCTION INDUCED BY ISCHEMIC-REPERFUSION IN RATS

Background: Leukocytes play an important role in tissue apoptosis as scavengers and vital components of inflammation, which has been generated during ischemia-reperfusion injury. The present study aimed to investigate the cerebroprotective potential of naringin through anti-inflammatory mechanism. Methods: Cerebral infarction was induced through bi-lateral common carotid artery occlusion for 30 min and 4 h reperfusion in rats. Cerebral infarction, number of leukocytes/cu.mm, and inflammatory markers (TNF α, IL-6 and IL-10) were measured in ischemic rat brain. Results: Percentage of infarction, the number of leukocytes/cu.mm, inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6) and myeloperoxidase were significantly increased, and IL-10 levels were significantly decreased in ischemia-reperfusion injury rats relative to sham control rats. Percentage of infarction, the number of leukocytes/cu.mm, inflammatory markers TNF-α, IL-6, and myeloperoxidase were significantly decreased and IL-10 levels were significantly increased in naringin treated rats relative to ischemia-reperfusion injured rats. Conclusion: This study indicates that infiltrating leukocytes and inflammation plays a key role in cerebral ischemia- reperfusion injury and naringin alleviate the inflammation and infiltrating leukocytes.