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Supplementation of fenugreek with choline–docosahexaenoic acid attenuates menopause induced memory loss, BDNF and dendritic arborization in ovariectomized rats

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Abstract

Cognitive impairment due to natural or surgical menopause is always associated with estrogen deficiency leading to reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Reduced BDNF levels in menopause affect neuronal maturation, survival, axonal and dendritic arborization and the maintenance of dendritic spine density. Conventional long-term estrogen replacement therapy reported causing the risk of venous thromboembolism and breast cancer. To overcome these undesirable effects, phytoestrogens have been used in menopause-induced condition without the risk of side effects. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of fenugreek seed extract (FG) either alone or in combination with choline–DHA on BDNF and dendritic arborization of pyramidal neurons in CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus in ovariectomized rats. Female Wistar rats of 9–10 months old were divided into six groups as normal control (NC); ovariectomy (OVX); OVX + FG; OVX + choline–DHA; OVX + FG + choline–DHA; and OVX + estradiol. All the groups, except NC, were ovariectomized. After 2 weeks of ovariectomy, dietary supplementation was initiated for a period of 30 days. After supplementation, behavioral studies, BDNF levels and dendritic arborization were estimated. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats showed reduced BDNF levels, dendritic branching points and dendritic intersections of pyramidal neurons in CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus. OVX rats supplemented with FG with choline–DHA showed significantly improved BDNF levels, dendritic branching points and dendritic intersections. These results are demonstrating that FG with choline–DHA supplementation can be an alternative for estrogen replacement therapy to modulate menopause-induced learning and memory deficits.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank the Manipal Academy of Higher Education for providing research facilities to conduct this research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy, Manipal TATA Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India

    Anjaneyulu Konuri

  2. Department of Anatomy, Ras Al Khaimah College of Medical Sciences, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Post-Box No: 11172, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

    Kumar M. R. Bhat

  3. Department of Physiology, Melaka Manipal Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India

    Kiranmai S. Rai

  4. Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India

    Karthik Gourishetti

  5. Department of Biochemistry, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India

    Y. S. Phaneendra M

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Contributions

AK, KMRB and KSR conceived and designed the study, conducted the research, and performed the analysis and interpretation of the data. KG and YSRM conducted the methods and performed the analysis. All authors contributed equally and significantly to the draft of the article and provided logistic support. All authors have critically reviewed and approved the final draft and are responsible for the content and similarity index of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Kumar M. R. Bhat.

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Konuri, A., Bhat, K.M.R., Rai, K.S. et al. Supplementation of fenugreek with choline–docosahexaenoic acid attenuates menopause induced memory loss, BDNF and dendritic arborization in ovariectomized rats. Anat Sci Int 96, 197–211 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12565-020-00574-8

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