Apoptotic inducement of neuronal cells by codeine: possible role of disrupted redox state and caspase 3 signaling
Ayodeji Folorusho Ajayi, Roland Eghoghosoa Akhigbe
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Codeine, a common drug of abuse, has been reported to induce organ damage; however, there are scanty available data on the effects of codeine on the brain. OBJECTIVE: Thus, we tested the hypothesis that redox dysregulation and inflammation of the brain induced by codeine exposure is 8-OHdG and/or caspase 3-dependent. METHODS: ; n = 6) for six weeks. Body weight was checked before and after the study. RESULTS: accompanied by reduced enzymatic antioxidant activities), elevated MPO activity, and distorted cytoarchitecture of the brain tissue. The observed codeine-induced redox imbalance and brain inflammation was accompanied by depletion of neuronal and purkinje cells, reduced AchE activity, and elevated 8-OHdG levels and caspase 3 activity. CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrates that chronic codeine use induces oxido-inflammatory response and apoptosis of the brain tissue that is associated with neuronal and purkinje cells injury, and impaired AchE activity through 8-OHdG and/or caspase 3-dependent pathway.