Resveratrol attenuates oxidative damage and ameliorates cognitive impairment in the brain of senescence-accelerated mice

Abstract Aims Resveratrol (Res) which is a polyphenolic phytoalexin, has various biological properties. In the present study, we investigated whether Res extracted from Polygonum cuspidatum can reduce oxidative damage and cognitive impairment in senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM). Main methods Senescence-accelerated mice were administered with Res (25, 50, 100 mg·kg − 1 ·d − 1 ) for 8 weeks. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in mice brain were determined. The gene expression of SOD in mice brain was investigated by real time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Key findings The results showed that resveratrol significantly improved learning and memory ability in Morris water maze test and neuromuscular coordination and sensorimotor capacity in tightrope test. Meanwhile, Res increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes with a reduction in lipid peroxidation. And real time RT-PCR analysis also indicated that the change of SOD mRNA was the same as the modification of SOD activity in mice brain. Furthermore, Res could prevent cerebral mitochondrial DNA deletions which might be one of the causes resulting in learning and memory impairment. Significance These results suggest that the pharmacological action of Res may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of age-related conditions.