Resveratrol, a calorie restriction mimetic, protects AlCl₃-induced neurotoxicity and cognitive deficits in rats via inhibition of oxidative stress

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s diseases (AD), are becoming more prevalent as population ages. Recent researches indicate possible involvement of increased oxidative stress and free radicals in AD-related changes, suggesting that therapeutic efforts aimed at the removal of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or prevention of their formation may be beneficial in AD. Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in red wines, demonstrated antioxidant and anti-aging effects in various in vitro and in vivo studies. In the current work, resveratrol was evaluated in animal model of cognitive impairment and/or neurodegeneration as a potential treatment approach for AD. Rats were treated with aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) for 20 days for induction of oxidative stress and simultaneously with resveratrol (15 and 30 mg/kg, p.o.). Animals were subjected for assessment of working memory, modulations in biomarkers related to oxidative stress, cognition and sirtuin-1 levels. Impaired cognitive abilities and increased oxidative stress were observed in rats treated with AlCl₃ alone; however, resveratrol significantly improved cognitive performance, decreased oxidative stress and increased levels of antioxidant enzymes along with biomarkers related to cognition and anti-aging. Results from current studies indicate that due to its anti-aging and antioxidant properties, resveratrol may have a potential in pharmacotherapy of neurodegenerative disorder such as AD.