Dimethyl fumarate attenuates scopolamine induced amnesia and oxidative stress in mice

Background: Memory and cognition, processes essential for adaptation and survival of organisms can be impaired by oxidative stress resulting from high amounts of reactive oxygen species in the brain. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an immunomodulatory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent currently used for management of remitting relapsing multiple sclerosis. Objective: In this study, we seek to evaluate the effect of DMF in scopolamine induced amnesia and oxidative stress in a murine model of cognition and memory. Methods: The effect of DMF on scopolamine induced amnesia in mice following acute and chronic treatment was evaluated using the Y-maze spontaneous alternation performance test as neurobehavioural test index. Levels of catalase, glutathione and malondialdehyde as determinants of brain oxidative stress were determined in isolated brain tissues following chronic treatment with DMF. Dimethyl sulphoxide solution was used as the control drug (vehicle) while donepezil was used as the reference memory enhancing agent. Results: DMF significantly (p<0.05) improved spontaneous alternation performance in the Y-maze test, post acute and chronic drug administration. 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). Conclusion: The results obtained suggest that DMF improves scopolamine induced memory and cognitive deficits and ameliorates oxidative stress in the brain.