Evaluation the Effect of Crocin on Bisphenol A-Induced Memory Impairment in Rats: Role of ERK, CaMKII, and CREB Proteins in Hippocampus

Introduction: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a toxic chemical that is used as a monomer in the production of plastic products. The BPA has an endocrine-disrupting effect and ‎induces damage to the nervous system. Crocin, an active ingredient of Crocus sativus L. has ‎neuroprotective effects. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate crocin’s effects on BPA-induced ‎memory impairment in rats and the levels of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinases (ERK), Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase-II (CaMKII), and Cyclic AMP-Response Element-Binding Protein (CREB) proteins in the hippocampus. Method: Bisphenol A (100 mg/kg, gavage) and crocin (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg, IP) were administered to adult male rats for 28 days. Memory and learning functions were evaluated by the Morris water maze, and the level of proteins was determined using the Western blot method. Results: Administration of the BPA (100 mg/kg) significantly induced memory impairment and reduced the levels of ERK, p.ERK, CaMKII, and p.CREB proteins in the BPA group, compared to the control group. On the other hand, crocin (20 mg/kg) markedly improved learning and memory impairment and increased the levels of ERK, p.ERK, and CaMKII proteins in the hippocampus, compared to the BPA (100 mg/kg) group. Conclusion: Administration of crocin (20 mg/kg) improves memory and learning defects induced by BPA (100 mg/kg). The enhancement of the ‎p.ERK, ERK, and p. CaMKII protein levels in the hippocampus has an important role in crocin protective effects