OBJECTIVES: Oleuropein (OE) is a well-known antioxidant polyphenol from olive oil. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential neuroprotective effects of oleuropein in an experimental spinal cord injury model. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into four groups of 21 rats each as follows: sham-operated group, trauma group, and OE treatment groups (20 mg/kg, i.p., immediately and 1 hour after spinal cord injury). Spinal cord samples were taken 24 hours after injury and studied for determination of malondialdehyde and glutathione levels, histopathological assessment, immunohistochemistry of Bax and Bcl-2, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling reaction. Behavioral testing was performed weekly up to 6 weeks post-injury. RESULTS: The results showed that malondialdehyde levels were significantly decreased, and glutathione levels were significantly increased in OE treatment groups. Greater Bcl-2 and attenuated Bax expression could be detected in the OE-treated rats. OE significantly reduced terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling-positive reaction and improved behavioral function than the trauma group. DISCUSSION: These findings indicate that OE may be effective in protecting rat spinal cord from secondary injury.
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