The effect of Taraxacum officinale extract on the sodium valproate induced model of autism and assessment of oxidative stress

Abstract

Background:
A lifelong neurodevelopmental illness, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is typified by core symptoms that include confined, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or hobbies, as well as persistent difficulties in social communication and social interaction. The incidence and burden of ASD on the affected person, their family, and society are both noteworthy. Aim of the study
To evaluate the effects of Taraxacum officinale extract on the sodium valproate induced model of autism and the level of antioxidant stress biomarkers. Materials and Methods: 60 healthy albino mice (20 female and 40 male) were used in this study. The mice
were split into 20 groups, each with one male and two females for mating. After establishing the zero-day, On the twelfth day of gestation, female mice were divided into two groups. One group was given intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of water only. By contrast, to create an experimental model of autism, the second group was given a single intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of sodium valproate at a dosage of 600 mg/kg. The baby mice were taken from their moms on the 40th day after birth, and they were divided into eight groups at random (four control groups and four VPA experimental groups) with each group consisting of the following: control no treatment no=10, T.O. 200 mg/kg no=10, T.O. 400 mg/kg no=10, and risperidone 1 mg/kg no=10. Following a 20-day course of therapy, all groups underwent an open field test. Following the completion of the experiment and 24 hours after the last treatment dose, mice were beheaded, with just two brain hemispheres removed. These were homogenized and ready for the Elisa procedure, which measures GSH and MDA concentrations. Results The finding of this study showed that the length of the tail in prenatally VPA-exposed
groups decreased in comparison with Control groups. Also showed that TOE at both doses (200mg/kg and 400mg/kg) had anxiolytic activity, decreased hyperactivity, increased latency duration in the core, and showed better results than risperidone in reducing grooming and rearing in VPA- mice during the open field test. Also showed antioxidant activity by decreasing MDA level with superior efficacy to risperidone in VPA- offspring; although T.Officinale at both doses decreased lipid peroxidation in control groups better than risperidone and at a dose of 400mg/kg it increased the level of GSH in VPA- offspring more than risperidone did.
Conclusion: These results showed that prenatal exposure to sodium valproate at a dose of 600mg/kg caused a decrease in the length of the tail of mice in comparison to control offspring. TOE acts as an anxiolytic by managing symptoms of autism, such as anxiety,
hyperactivity, and fear. It reduced grooming and rearing in VPA mice more effectively than risperidone. TOE had antioxidant activity by decreasing the levels of MDA and GSH in control and VPA offspring.