Bromelain administration improves learning and memory, reduces astrogliosis, and increases BDNF expression in rats with thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy model.

Hepatic encephalopathy refers to the group of neuropsychiatric disorders occurring in individuals having liver dysfunction as well as portosystemic shunting. Bromelain is defined as antioxidant extracted from pineapple stems. In this research study, HE animal model was created in rats through thioacetamide at the dosage rate of 200 mg. Afterward, rats were treated with Bromelain at a dose rate of 200 mg for one month. Various behavioral experiments were conducted such as Morris water maze test, Barnes test, Y-maze test, elevated plus maze test, forced swimming test and tail suspension test. In addition, histological analysis along with western blot analysis was carried out using antibodies against BDNF and REST. Findings of this research study revealed that administration of Bromelain improved memory and learning processes as well as decreased anxiety and depression-like behavior in animals suffering from HE. Furthermore, Bromelain administration diminished the number of astroglial cells and activation of astrocytes in the hippocampus of HE rats. Also, Bromelain administration enhanced BDNF expression while inhibiting REST expression in the hippocampus of HE rats. Therefore, it can be considered as a therapeutic candidate to prevent neurological damage following HE.