Opium consumption exerts protective effect against cerebral ischemia through reducing inflammation and enhancing antioxidant defense in male rats

Objective

Brain ischemia is an arterial vascular disorder, the second cause of death in the world. In this study, the effect of oral consumption of opium on the inflammation status, oxidative stress, infarction volume and neurological function after stroke in male rats were investigated.

Materials and methods

A total of 48 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into three groups: 1- Sham group: these rats underwent sham surgery. 2- Stroke group: rats of this group underwent 2 h transient focal cerebral ischemia. 3- Opium group: opium administration began eight days before the ischemia, and then rats were underwent 2 h of transient focal cerebral ischemia. After that, the rats were evaluated for neurological impairment 24 h after stroke. The cerebral edema and infarct volume were evaluated by Image j software, and the concentration of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Malondialdehyde (MDA), TNF-α, and C-reactive protein (CRP) of the brain tissue were measured as an indicator of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Results

TAC concentration in the opium group was significantly higher than of stroke group. Also, the TNF-α, CRP and MDA concentrations in the opium group were significantly lower than stroke group. The degree of cerebral edema and infarct volume in the opium group was significantly lower than stroke group. Moreover, the opium group had better neurological performance than the stroke group.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, the use of opium by enhancing the antioxidant capacity and decreasing inflammation after cerebral ischemia can reduce the extent of damage.