Potential of piperine for neuroprotection in sepsis-associated encephalopathy

• Published in: Life sciences (1973) Vol. 337; p. 122353
• Main Authors: Ferreira, Flavia Monteiro, Gomes, Sttefany Viana, Carvalho, Luana Cristina Faria, de Alcantara, Ana Carolina, da Cruz Castro, Maria Laura, Perucci, Luiza Oliveira, Pio, Sirlaine, Talvani, André, de Abreu Vieira, Paula Melo, Calsavara, Allan Jefferson Cruz, Costa, Daniela Caldeira
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands 15-01-2024
• Subjects: Sepsis; Sepsis-associated encephalopathy; Piperine; Redox system; Cecal ligation and perforation surgery
• ISSN: 0024-3205; 1879-0631
• DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122353

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a common complication that increases mortality and leads to long-term cognitive impairment in sepsis survivors. However, no specific or effective therapy has been identified for this complication. Piperine is an alkaloid known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, which are important characteristics for treatment of SAE. The objective of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of piperine on SAE in C57BL/6 mice that underwent cecum ligation and perforation surgery (CLP).
C57BL/6 male mice were randomly assigned to groups that underwent SHAM surgery or CLP. Mice in the CLP group were treated with piperine at doses of 20 or 40 mg/kg for short- (5 days) or long-term (10 days) periods after CLP.
Our results revealed that untreated septic animals exhibited increased concentrations of IL-6, TNF, VEGF, MMP-9, TBARS, and NLRP3, and decreased levels of BDNF, sulfhydryl groups, and catalase in the short term. Additionally, the levels of carbonylated proteins and degenerated neuronal cells were increased at both time points. Furthermore, short-term and visuospatial memories were impaired. Piperine treatment reduced MMP-9 activity in the short term and decreased the levels of carbonylated proteins and degenerated neuronal cells in the long term. It also lowered IL-6 and TBARS levels at both time points evaluated. Moreover, piperine increased short-term catalase and long-term BDNF factor levels and improved memory at both time points.
In conclusion, our data demonstrate that piperine exerts a neuroprotective effect on SAE in animals that have undergone CLP.