Baicalein attenuates impaired hippocampal neurogenesis and the neurocognitive deficits induced by γ-ray radiation.

Background and Purpose Whole-brain irradiation ( WBI) therapy produces learning and memory deficits in patients with brain tumours. Although the pathological cascade of cognitive deficits remains unknown, it may involve reduced neurogenesis within the hippocampus. Baicalein is a flavonoid derived from the roots of Huangqin, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, and has been shown to have antioxidant effects. Here, we have investigated the protective effects of baicalein on irradiation-induced impairments in hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function. Experimental Approach Radioprotective effects of baicalein were evaluated in C17.2 neural progenitor cells and 6-week-old male C57 BL/6 mice during hippocampal neurogenesis. Mice were given a single dose of 5 Gy WBI. Changes in hippocampal neurogenesis, oxidative stress and BDNF- pCREB signalling were evaluated. Morris water maze and passive avoidance test were used to assess learning and memory. Key Results Baicalein protected neural progenitor cells against irradiation-induced necrotic cell death. Pretreatment with baicalein attenuated the irradiation-induced impairment of hippocampal neurogenesis by modulating oxidative stress and elevating BDNF- pCREB signalling. Furthermore, baicalein prevented the spatial learning and memory retention deficits follwing WBI. Conclusions and Implications Our findings suggest that baicalein can be viewed as a potential therapeutic agent that protects against the impaired neurogenesis induced by WBI, and its neurocognitive consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]