Coenzyme-Q10 Reverses Metronidazole-induced Cognitive Dysfunction in Rats

Bariweni, Moses; Eradiri, Yelaere; Ezeugo, Chukwubuikem Chikezie

doi:10.21608/aprh.2025.380454.1315

Coenzyme-Q10 Reverses Metronidazole-induced Cognitive Dysfunction in Rats

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

¹ Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

² Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria.

10.21608/aprh.2025.380454.1315

Abstract

Objective: Metronidazole, an essential component in surgical prophylaxis and treatment of several infections is faced with an increase in reports of neurotoxic outcomes. The search for means of resolving or abolishing the occurrence of metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity is necessary. The objective therefore is to evaluate the effects of coenzyme-Q10 on metronidazole-induced cognitive dysfunction in adult rats. Methods: Eighty adult rats were allotted to 4 groups (n=20). Group 1 was given 5 mL/kg 0.5% Tween-80®, group 2 was treated with 50 mg/kg metronidazole, group 3 was given 10 mg/kg coenzyme-Q10, group 4 was treated with metronidazole 50 mg/kg + 10 mg/kg coenzyme-Q10. All drug administrations were done daily for 28 days using the oral route. On the 28th day the rats were exposed to tests that evaluated cognitive function like the hole-board, Morris’s water maze and Y-maze test. Thereafter the animals were euthanized with halothane and the brains excised for oxidative stress tests. One-way ANOVA followed by Dunnet’s post hoc test for multiple comparison. Statistical differences were considered significant at p < 0.05. Results: Metronidazole distorted memory acquisition and learning, and decreased reference memory index (RMI) on the hole board, prolonged the time to find the escape platform in the Moris water maze, reduced percentage alternation and spatial recognition memory in the Y-maze (p < 0.01). Co-administration of coenzyme-Q10 with metronidazole reversed all the cognitive deficits induced by metronidazole in the various tests. Coenzyme-Q10 also reversed metronidazole-induced oxidative stress by increasing superoxide dismutase activity and reducing lipid peroxidation. Conclusion: In conclusion, we suggest that oxidative stress is a contributing factor to metronidazole-induced cognitive dysfunction and coenzyme-Q10 improves cognitive function, hence, could be explored to alleviate the occurrence of metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity.

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