• Modulation of Hippocampal Oxidative Alterations by Donepezil: Focus on Malondialdehyde and Catalase Activity Following Bisphenol A Exposure
  • Narges Mohebbi,1,* Delaram Eslimi Esfahani,2 Vahidehsadat Abbasnia,3 Adel Salari,4
    1. Department of Animal Science , Faculty of Biological Science , Kharazmi University ,Tehran ,Iran
    2. Department of Animal Science , Faculty of Biological Science , Kharazmi University ,Tehran ,Iran
    3. Department of Biology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
    4. Department of Animal Science , Faculty of Biological Science , Kharazmi University ,Tehran ,Iran


  • Introduction: Bisphenol A (BPA), a common component of microplastics, is widely distributed in the environment and can accumulate in the food chain, acting as a potential neurotoxin. It induces hippocampal damage by increasing lipid peroxidation and weakening antioxidant defense systems. Donepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor with reported antioxidant properties, may attenuate such oxidative changes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of donepezil on hippocampal malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and catalase (CAT) activity in BPA-exposed rats.
  • Methods: Animals (male Wistar rats, n = 56) were randomly assigned to seven groups: an untreated control, a BPA group (0.4 mg/kg/day), a donepezil-only group (10 mg/kg/day), and three BPA-treated groups co-administered donepezil at incremental doses (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg/day). Treatments were administered orally for 4 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, hippocampal tissues were collected, and nitrite levels along with superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were assessed using standard biochemical assays. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA, with significance set at p < 0.05.
  • Results: BPA administration significantly increased MDA levels and decreased CAT activity in the hippocampus compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Donepezil treatment reversed these alterations in a dose-dependent manner, significantly reducing lipid peroxidation and enhancing catalase activity (p < 0.05).
  • Conclusion: Donepezil mitigates BPA-induced oxidative alterations in the hippocampus by decreasing malondialdehyde levels and restoring catalase activity, suggesting its potential as a protective agent against microplastic-associated neurotoxicity.
  • Keywords: Bisphenol A, Donepezil, Malondialdehyde, Catalase, Oxidative Stress