The Effects of Cortexin on Free-Radical Oxidation and Inflammatory Processes in Rats with Normal and Accelerated Aging

Abstract

We studied the geroprotective properties of Cortexin and the systems of free-radical oxidation and inflammatory processes as potential targets of this drug. The study used 12-month-old male Wistar and OXYS rats with normal and accelerated aging, respectively. After preliminary assessment of their behavior in the open-field test, the rats were divided into homogenous groups according to behavioral indices. The animals were intraperitoneally injected with Cortexin (Geropharm, Russia) at a dose of 1 mg/kg daily for 30 days. The course of treatment with Cortexin did not substantially affect the general conditions and behavioral indices of both Wistar and OXYS rats and had a moderate positive effect on cognitive functions. Cortexin corrected the state of the systems of free-radical oxidation and cytokines. Specifically, in the brains of OXYS rats, Cortexin restored the ratio of the pro- and antioxidant systems primarily in the neocortex; however, a systemic effect was also observed. A significant anti-inflammatory effect was found at the systemic level and in the brain.