Evaluation of the Effect Of Dimethyl Fumarate on Memory and Cognition

ABSTRACT

Memory and cognitive dysfunction – features of neurodegenerative disorders- occur as a result of damage to neuroanatomical structures responsible for storage, retention and recollection of memories in the brain and high amounts of reactive oxygen species leading to oxidative stress contribute to neurodegeneration. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an immunomodulatory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent currently used for management of remitting relapsing multiple sclerosis.
This study examined the effects of DMF on scopolamine induced amnesia in mice following acute and chronic treatment using the Y-maze spontaneous alternation performance and novel object recognition tests. Levels of catalase, glutathione and malondialdehyde as determinants of brain oxidative stress were determined ex-vivo following chronic treatment with DMF. Dimethyl sulphoxide solution was used as the control drug while donepezil was used as the reference memory enhancing agent.
DMF significantly (p<0.05) improved spontaneous alternation performance in the Y-maze test post acute and chronic drug administration. DMF also increased time spent exploring the novel object in the novel object recognition test. Levels of catalase and glutathione in isolated brain tissues were significantly increased (p<0.05) following treatment with DMF while lipid peroxidation products indicated by malondialdehyde levels were significantly decreased (p<0.05). The results obtained suggests that DMF improves memory and cognition by decreasing via amelioration of oxidative stress products in the brain.