Protective Effects of Sesamol on the Brains of Rats with Focal Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Stroke is an acute cerebrovascular event associated with brain tissue injury, representing the most common cause of death. Thrombolysis and recanalization are the principal treatment modalities for ischemic stroke. Some patients experience cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury following treatment. A previous study established that sesamol is effective in reducing risk factors for stroke. Here, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of sesame phenol on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. A total of 72 SD rats were randomly divided into a sham group, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (MCAO) group, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion with low dose sesame phenol (MCAO+sesamol A) group and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion with high dose sesame phenol (MCAO + sesamol B) group. After cerebral ischemia had been induced for 2h and reperfusion conducted for 24h, the volume of cerebral infarction, the degree of cerebral edema and the neurological deficit scores were tested. The results showed sesamin improved the neurological deficit score in a dose-dependent manner, reduced the volume of cerebral infarction, degree of cerebral edema. Prophylactic treatment with sesame phenol provided neuroprotective effects on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.