Taurine and Camel Milk Modulate Neurobehavioral and Biochemical Changes in Aluminum Chloride-Induced Alzheimer's Disease in Rats

Abstract

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease associated with deficiency in motor coordination, cognitive impairment, and excessive reactive oxygen species production in the brain.

Objective: The study evaluated effects of taurine and camel milk (CM) on neurobehavior, amyloid-beta peptide 1-42 (Aβ) expression, acetylcholinesterase, and superoxide dismutase activities in aluminum chloride (AlCl3) model of Alzheimer's disease in rats.

Methods: Thirty-five female Wistar rats were divided into seven groups (n = 5): Normal saline (0.2 mL/kg body weight); AlCl3 (100 mg/kg) (AD); CM (33 mL/kg); Taurine (50 mg/kg); AlCl3 (100 mg/kg) + CM (33 mL/kg); AlCl3 (100 mg/kg) + Taurine (50 mg/kg); and AlCl3 (100 mg/kg) + CM (33 mL/kg) + Taurine (50 mg/kg). The administration lasted for eight weeks via oral gavage. After the eighth week, neurobehavior assessments were performed. Rats were sacrificed, and brain and blood samples collected for analysis.

Results: There was a significant (p < 0.0001) increase in the duration of motor endurance in AD + CM rats, compared to AD rats. Duration of forced swimming time was lowest (p < 0.0001) in AlCl3 + Taurine rats, compared to that of AD rats. Concentration of Aβ peptide decreased (p < 0.05) in AD rats, treated with CM and/or combination. In taurine-treated rats, superoxide dismutase activity was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in AD rats. Treatment with taurine + CM increased (p < 0.05) acetylcholinesterase activity compared to controls.

Conclusion: Taurine and CM enhanced cognition and sensorimotor activity by decreasing Aβ peptide concentration and increasing superoxide dismutase and acetylcholinesterase activities in AD rats.

Keywords: Aluminum chloride; amyloid-beta peptide; camel milk; neurobehavior; oxidative stress; taurine.