ABSTRACT
Aluminum (Al) is widely present in the environment and is utilized extensively in various aspects of contemporary daily life. The toxicity of aluminum has been correlated with multiple neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is a progressive neurodegenerative condition characterized by oxidative stress and the loss of cholinergic neurons which leads to a decline in acetylcholine levels within the brain. The current most promising approach in managing Alzheimer's disease is to boost acetylcholine levels in the brain which progressively decline as the disease advances. Consequently, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors represent one of the most promising pharmacological treatments for Alzheimer's disease. Nevertheless, these medications are associated with significant side effects, which underscores the imperative to explore therapeutic agents possessing antioxidant and anticholinesterase potential. Rutin, a dietary flavonoid present in a wide range of vegetables and fruits, possesses numerous therapeutic properties with its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects being particularly noteworthy. This study explored the potential of rutin in mitigating aluminum chloride toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. In this study, the flies were divided into six (6) groups (A- F) of three (3) vials each, containing fifty (50) flies. Group A served as the control, Group B received a diet supplemented with 40 mM AlCl3, Groups C and D were co treated with 40 mM AlCl3 and 0.5 mg/kg rutin as well as 40 mM AlCl3 and 1 mg/kg, respectively. Groups E and F were treated with Rutin alone in doses of 0.5 mg/kg and 1mg/kg, respectively, through their diet. Negative geotaxis, was conducted to assess the climbing activity and at the end of the experimental period, the flies were homogenized and the resulting supernatants were used to measure Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) activity, Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Results indicated a marked decrease (p<0.05) in survival rate in the Al-exposed flies when compared to the control. In terms of negative geotaxis, the Al-exposed flies exhibited a significant decline (p<0.05) in locomotor activity when compared to the control. Also, the Alexposed flies showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) in SOD and CAT activity when compared to the control. However, in the Al-exposed flies, there was a significant increase (p>0.05) in MDA and AChE activity in contrast to the control. In the groups co-treated with rutin there was a significant increase (P>0.05) in survival rate, negative geotaxis, SOD and CAT activity when compared to the Al-exposed group. Similarly, there was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in MDA and AChE activity in the groups co-treated with rutin. Taken together, these findings suggest that Rutin did not harm the flies but rather provided protection against the detrimental effects of aluminum. This indicates the possible therapeutic effects of Rutin against Aluminum toxicity and its related neurodegenerative disorders.
