Neuroprotective role of gallic acid in aflatoxin B1 -induced behavioral abnormalities in rats.

The neurotoxic impact of dietary exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1 ) is documented in experimental and epidemiological studies. Gallic acid (GA) is a triphenolic phytochemical with potent anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. There is a knowledge gap on the influence of GA on AFB1 -induced neurotoxicity. This study probed the influence of GA on neurobehavioral and biochemical abnormalities in rats orally treated with AFB1 per se (75 µg/kg body weight) or administered together with GA (20 and 40 mg/kg) for 28 uninterrupted days. Behavioral endpoints obtained with video-tracking software demonstrated significant (p < .05) abatement of AFB1 -induced anxiogenic-like behaviors (increased freezing, urination, and fecal bolus discharge), motor and locomotor inadequacies, namely increased negative geotaxis and diminished grip strength, absolute turn angle, total time mobile, body rotation, maximum speed, and total distance traveled by GA. The improvement of exploratory behavior in animals that received both AFB1 and GA was confirmed by track plots and heat maps appraisal. Abatement of AFB1 -induced decreases in acetylcholinesterase activity, antioxidant status and glutathione level by GA was accompanied by a marked reduction in oxidative stress markers in the cerebellum and cerebrum of rats. Additionally, GA treatment abrogated AFB1 -mediated decrease in interleukin-10 and elevation of inflammatory indices, namely tumor necrosis factor-α, myeloperoxidase activity, interleukin-1β, and nitric oxide. Further, GA treatment curtailed caspase-3 activation and histological injuries in the cerebral and cerebellar tissues. In conclusion, abatement of AFB1 -induced neurobehavioral abnormalities by GA involves anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic mechanisms in rats.