Effect of Nesfatin-1 on Permeability of Blood Brain Barrier, Neurological Score and Brain Edema after Traumatic Brain Injury in Male Rats: A Behavioral and Biochemical Study

Background and purpose: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most complex diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Nesfatin is an 82-amino acid effective polypeptide in CNS. In this study, we investigated the role of nesfatin in neuron protection in the process of diffuse concussion in rats and also its effect on the level of matrix metalloproteinase-9. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 56 Wistar rats were subjected to TBI by the Marmaru method. After 30 minutes, nesfatin was injected intraperitoneally at different doses, and repeated on second and third days. The results of Veterinary Coma Scale, beam walk and beam balance tests were recorded at Pre-TBI, immediately after TBI, 24, 48, and 72 hours after TBI. After 72 hours, CSF was collected from the cisterna magna and used for ELISA test to measure the matrix metalloproteinase-9. Results: Intraperitoneal administration of nesfatin at 50 µg/kg and 10 µg/kg can reduce cerebral edema, destruction of the blood-brain barrier, and neurological and balance-motor scores (P<0.0001) compared with the control group (Sham and Intact) (P<0.0001). Nesfatin was not found effective at 20µg/kg (P>0.05). Conclusion: Nesfatin has been able to affect the consequences of trauma and reduce brain edema, accelerate the improvement of blood-brain barrier and neurological and balance scores. Probably part of these neuroprotective effects is through reduction of MMP-9.