Article

Citation: Hussain, H.; Ahmad, S.; Shah, S.W.A.; Ullah, A.; Rahman, S.U.; Ahmad, M.; Almehmadi, M.; Abdulaziz, O.; Allahyani, M.; Alsaiari, A.A.; et al. Synthetic Mono-Carbonyl Curcumin Analogues Attenuate Oxidative Stress in Mouse Models. Biomedicines 2022, 10, 2597. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/biomedicines10102597

Academic Editors: Tiziana Genovese, Daniela Impellizzeri, Rosalba Siracusa and Bruno Meloni

Received: 30 August 2022 Accepted: 12 October 2022 Published: 17 October 2022

Copyright: © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ 4.0/).

1. 1 Department of Pharmacy, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal, Chakdara 18000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
2. 2 Department of Pharmacy, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Chakdara 18800, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
3. 3 Department of Chemistry, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Chakdara 18800, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
4. 4 Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
5. 5 Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
6. 6 Medical Research Center, Emerging Infectious Diseases Research Unit, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia

* Correspondence: [email protected] (S.A.); [email protected] (S.W.A.S.)

Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease is the commonest form of dementia associated with short-term memory loss and impaired cognition and, worldwide, it is a growing health issue. A number of therapeutic strategies have been studied to design and develop an effective anti-Alzheimer drug. Curcumin has a wide spectrum of biological properties. In this regard, the antioxidant potentials of mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues (h1–h5) were investigated using in vitro antioxidant assays and hippocampalbased in vivo mouse models such as light–dark box, hole board, and Y-maze tests. In the in vitro assay, mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues h2 and h3 with methoxy and chloro-substituents, respectively, showed promising 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 2 -azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazo-line6-sulfonate (ABTS) free radical scavenging activities. In the in vivo studies, scopolamine administration significantly (p < 0.001) induced oxidative stress and memory impairment in mice, in comparison to the normal control group. The pretreatment with mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues, specifically h2 and h3, significantly decreased (123.71 ± 15.23 s (p < 0.001), n = 8; 156.53 ± 14.13 s (p < 0.001), n = 8) the duration of time spent in the light chamber and significantly enhanced (253.95 ± 19.05 s (p < 0.001), n = 8, and 239.57 ± 9.98 s (p < 0.001), n = 8) the time spent in the dark compartment in the light–dark box arena. The numbers of hole pokings were significantly (p < 0.001, n = 8) enhanced in the hole board test and substantially increased the percent spontaneous alternation performance (SAP %) in the Y-maze mouse models in comparison to the stress control group. In the biomarker analysis, the significant reduction in the lipid peroxidation (MDA) level and enhanced catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) activities in the brain hippocampus reveal their antioxidant and memory enhancing potentials. However, further research is needed to find out the appropriate mechanism of reducing oxidative stress in pathological models.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; oxidative stress; mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues; antioxidants; in vivo study; light–dark box; hole board; Y-maze; biomarkers; hippocampus

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurological disorder linked with many clinical manifestations and a number of biomarkers and environmental and genetic factors are associated with the progression and development of this disease [1,2]. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is

Biomedicines 2022, 10, 2597. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10102597 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/biomedicines

the famous form of dementia, characterized by memory loss, cognitive impairment, and considered a growing health challenge worldwide [3]. Moreover, AD causes death within 3 to 9 years after its diagnosis, and globally, it is reported in about 35 million people [4,5], and will increase to two-fold by 2030, according to a report on AD in 2015 [6]. The exact etiology of the disease is still unknown to researchers. However, the cognitive decline is associated with cholinergic deficiency and it is believed to be the primary cause of AD [5]. Choline acetyl transferase (ChAT) altered the synthesis of acetylcholine (ACh), which was substantially decreased in the brain cerebral cortex of AD, found by three laboratories independently [7] and it was reported in their research that intensity of the cognitive decline increases with a decrease in activity of ChAT in AD patients. This evidence suggests us that cognitive dysfunction is associated with deficiency in the cholinergic system of AD patients [8]. Moreover, deposition of neurofibrillary tau tangles and β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques were also responsible for neurodegeneration [9].

Oxidative stress is considered another important contender of the etiological factors for AD associated with oxidative stress by causing pathological interactions with many vital cellular components [10]. Oxidative stress develops as a result of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the form of superoxide, hydroxyl, hydroperoxyl, and alkoxyl as free radicals from metabolic processes [11]. Free radicals have been remained the focus of attention for researchers in the last two decades [12]. These free radicals cause oxidative stress and are associated with serious health conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers [13,14]. Oxidative stress develops when the production of oxidants (free radicals) exceeds that of antioxidants and, consequently, it weakens the antioxidant protection systems in the living cells [15], leading to the neuronal degeneration [16]. Oxidative stress is further linked to tau-induced and Abeta neurotoxicity by their overproduction and aggregation; polymerization and phosphorylation processes lead to the progression and development of AD [17–19]. Oxidative stress progressively causes neurodegeneration and is responsible for slow tissue regeneration in aged individuals and rodents [20]. In addition, oxidative stress is responsible for the other key characteristics such as cell-cycle, metabolic, and mitochondrial abnormalities found in AD [21]. These conditions lead to the appearance of the clinical symptoms of AD, such as delusions, memory deficits, cognitive dysfunction, depression, apathy, and behavioral disorders [22]. As oxidative stress is associated with many disease conditions, improving the antioxidant system of biological targets is of valuable interest [23].

In the central nervous system, scopolamine, a well-known muscarinic receptor blocker of acetylcholine receptors, alters the acetylcholine synthesis and is extensively used in animal models for the induction of amnesia [2,24]. It has been reported that scopolamine administration chronically depletes the antioxidant defense system in cells [25].

There is a complex system of enzymes and antioxidant metabolites working to protect the important cellular components from the damage of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by inhibiting their production or removal from the body [11]. Antioxidants are substances with the capability to protect living cells from oxidative stress by oxidizing themselves, slowing the oxidation reaction, such as ascorbic acid and polyphenols [11,26]. A number of therapeutic strategies and approaches have been adopted to find therapeutic candidates with antioxidant potential as well as to regulate the cholinergic system for the prevention and treatment of AD using animal models [22,27]. In this regard, various cholinesterase inhibitors are in current use, including donepezil, galantamine, tacrine, and revastigmine for relieving symptoms of dementia. However, their efficacy will decrease with long-term use [6,28,29]. In addition, various types of natural and synthetic antioxidants substances work in the management of AD [30]. Natural antioxidants are common in various fruits, vegetables, and herbs [31], while synthetic antioxidants are butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT), gallic acid ester, butylated hydroxyl anisole (BHA), and butylated hydroquinone [32]. Therefore, the design and development of safe and effective antioxidants are needed through quality research for the effective treatment of neurological disorders, including AD.

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Curcumin, from the bright yellow dietary spice turmeric and found in the rhizome of Curcuma longa L. [33], possesses a variety of biological properties such as neuroprotective, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, ant-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer, and is also widely used as a dietary pigment and spice [34–38]. Moreover, chronic administration of curcumin gives control over neurochemical and behavioral alterations reported in several preclinical and pharmacological animal models [39].

Based on these observations, our research group have previously reported on these compounds, indicating their neuroprotective potentials by inhibiting cholinesterases [5]. Keeping in mind their neuroprotective profile, this study was designed to find out their antioxidant potential in scopolamine-induced oxidative stress mouse models.

1. 2.1. Chemicals and Animals
2. 2.2. In Vitro Antioxidant Activity

In vitro antioxidant profiles of mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues (h1–h5) were explored according to the Brand-Williams et al. protocol of 1995 [40], by means of DPPH and ABTS as free radicals. In the assay of DPPH, the tested compounds (h1–h5) and the standard drug tocopherol were mixed with 31.25–1000 µg/mL concentrations of DPPH solution, and a spectrophotometer at 517 nm was run and the absorbance was recorded. Similarly, the ABTS assay was performed for the tested compounds (h1–h5) and standard drug in a similar concentration. In this, 0.1 mL of sample and standard solution were mixed

with ABTS at the same concentrations and absorbance at 734 nm was noted. Then, IC50 values for the tested samples were calculated.

1. 2.3. Acute Toxicity Study
2. 2.4. Experimental Design and Animal Dosing All the animals were divided into eight groups, having eight in each (n = 8) and treated
3. 2.5. Behavioral Studies

Oxidative stress was induced in mice using scopolamine in the behavioral mouse models, including light–dark box, hole board, and Y-maze mouse models.

1. 2.5.1. Light–Dark Box
2. 2.5.2. Hole Board Test

The hole board paradigm was used for the investigation of the learning behavior with the mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues (h1–h5) according to the standard procedure [43]. The paradigm of the hole board was designed with a rectangular shape from polyacrylic sheets with dimensions of 35 cm × 45 cm × 45 cm. There were sixteen holes (2 cm in diameter) containing black colored sheets 5 cm above the bottom, which were connected to the internal corners of the box. The numbers of hole pokings were recorded for 5 min after putting the mouse in the middle of the apparatus. After completion of the last dose, animals were observed for two consecutive days [44].

1. 2.5.3. Y-Maze Test

The mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues (h1–h5) were investigated for attenuation of memory impairment with the help of the Y-maze behavioral mouse model according to the standard protocol [5]. In this test, oxidative stress was induced by injecting 1 mg/kg (i.p.) scopolamine. The paradigm of the Y-maze mice model consists of three equal arms linked with each other at an angle of 120◦ and designed in a Y-shape, label as A, B, and C for convenience. The arms were 20 cm long, 6 cm wide, and 15.5 cm high. Mice were placed at the center of one arm and allowed to freely explore the apparatus for a period of 5 min. The number of arm entries executed by each mouse was recorded. A complete arm entry is achieved when the hind paws of the animal are totally inside in one of the arms while alternation involved entries made consecutively around the three arms. A solution of ethanol 70% was applied to the Y-maze arena to make it clean and to avoid olfactory cues after every run. The escape latency (seconds) at the end of day seven was noted for each animal. The spontaneous alternation performance (SAP%) was calculated by recording same-arm returns (SARs), alternate arm returns (AARs), and the number of arm entries [6].

1. 2.6. Assessment of Biochemical Parameters and Biomarker Study

The biomarker approach was used to find out the antioxidant potential of the monocarbonyl curcumin analogues (h1–h5) in oxidative stress, induced by scopolamine with alteration in the endogenous antioxidant enzyme system. Soon after the behavioral analysis, mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation for a painless death, and the brain tissues were isolated and hippocampus was obtained after homogenization. The hippocampus part of brain tissue was chilled before biomarker analysis in phosphate buffer solution [45].

1. 2.6.1. Measurement of Malondialdehyde (MDA) Level
2. 2.6.2. Catalase (CAT) Activity
3. 2.6.3. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Activity

The superoxide dismutase activity of the mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues was measured according to the standard procedure by Kakkar et al., in 1984 [48], in the mouse hippocampus. The brain tissue homogenate (0.5 mL) dilution was made in 1 mL of distilled water and then shaken with 2.5 mL of ethanol and 1.5 mL of chloroform. The mixture was centrifuged at 4 ◦C for a period of 1 min. The supernatant was mixed with 1.2 mL (0.025 M) sodium pyrophosphate buffer of 8.4 pH, 0.3 mL (30 µM) NBT, 3 mL distilled water, 0.1 mL (186 µM) PMS, and 0.2 mL (780 µM) NADH. It was then incubated at 30 ◦C for 90 s and, finally, 1 mL acetic acid was added to stop the reaction. The mixture was stirred vigorously, n-butanol was added, and it was stirred again. Then, the butanol layer was separated out. The absorbance of butanol was measured at 560 nm. The measured SOD amount was presented as a unit/mg of protein [44].

1. 2.6.4. Measurement of Glutathione (GSH) Activity

The effect of mono-curcumin analogues (h1–h5) on glutathione activity was investigated in the mouse hippocampus according to the reported procedure by Moron et al. in 1979 [49]. First, 0.4 mL (20%) TCA was added to 0.4 mL of the homogenate and centrifuged for 20 min at 10,000× g at 4 ◦C. The supernatant (0.25 mL) was added to 0.6 M (2 mL) DTNB and phosphate buffer pH 8.0 (0.2 M), and the final volume was 3 mL. The GSH activity was recorded at 412 nm absorbance and expressed as µM/mg of protein [44].

1. 2.7. Statistical Analysis

Results are presented as mean ± SD, a Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was applied for normality distribution of each data set and one-way ANOVA was used followed by Bonferroni’s multiple comparison tests (post hoc) using statistical package SPSS, version 25. The value of p = 0.05 was designated as significant.

1. 3.1. In Vitro Antioxidant Activity

Results of the in vitro antioxidant assay of mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues (h1–h5) are shown in Table 1. In this assay, the mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues h2 and h3 with IC50 values of 53.29 ± 2.13 and 82.43 ± 2.17 µg/mL, respectively, showed maximum response against DPPH free radicals in comparison to the positive control with an IC50 value of 9.16 ± 1.14 µg/mL. Among other curcumin analogues, h1 showed moderate free radical scavenging activity with IC50 160.32 ± 1.37 µg/mL, while, h4 and h5 showed weaker antioxidant response against DPPH free radicals. Similarly, in the ABTS assay,

1. h2 with an IC50 value of 70.21 ± 1.26 µg/mL showed significant antioxidant response in comparison to the standard drug tocopherol, having an IC50 of 13.18 ± 1.16 µg/mL, and
2. h3 exhibited IC50 of 143.65 ± 2.43 µg/mL, showing weaker antioxidant activity, while h1,
3. h4, and h5 showed a poor response.

Table 1. In vitro antioxidant activity of mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues (h1–h5).

1. h1 160.32 ± 1.37 184.19 ± 1.37
2. h2 53.29 ± 2.13 70.21 ± 1.26
3. h3 82.43 ± 2.17 143.65 ± 2.43
4. h4 230.18 ± 2.15 356.38 ± 1.17
5. h5 357.13 ± 1.16 435.31 ± 1.18

Tocopherol 9.16 ± 1.14 13.18 ± 1.16

Data are presented as mean ± SEM (n = 3), the significantly different values were compared to the positive control.

1. 3.2. Acute Toxicity

The mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues (h1–h5) were investigated for possible toxicological effects, and it was observed that up to a maximum administered dose of 150 mg/kg body weight, there was no toxicological response or mortality in mice. After acute toxicity screening, 15 mg/kg b.w. was selected as a suitable dose for the in vivo studies.

3.3. In Vivo Behavioral Studies 3.3.1. Light–Dark Box Apparatus

The effects of mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues (h1–h5) on the mice’s memory were investigated by using a light–dark box apparatus and the results are shown in Figure 2. Mice in the normal control group stayed for less time in the light chamber and stayed for a longer period in the dark compartment on day 1. Animals in the stress control (amnesic) group remained for a significantly (p < 0.001) longer time in the light compartment and spent less time in the dark compartment in comparison to the normal control group,

time in the light compartment and spent less time in the dark compartment in comparison to the normal

Biomedicines 2022, 10, 2597 7 of 16

cifically with the standard drug, and compounds spent significantly ( 0.001) more time in the dark compartment in comparison to the stress control group, which showed memory improvement by reducing stress (Figure 2A,B). Those treated with compound h1 spent comparatively (p < 0.01) more time in the dark arena and showed memory enhancement effects as compared to the stress control group, while h5 showed a poor (p < 0.05) response on day 1. Similarly, on day 2, those treated with compounds h2 (p < 0.001), h3 (p < 0.001), h1 (p < 0.01), h4, and h5 (p ˃ 0.05) remained for a short period in the light chamber and those treated with compounds h2 (p < 0.001) and h3

indicating induction of stress. Mice in the treatment groups, treated specifically with the standard drug, and compounds h2, h3, and h4, spent significantly (p < 0.001) more time in the dark compartment in comparison to the stress control group, which showed memory improvement by reducing stress (Figure 2A,B). Those treated with compound h1 spent comparatively (p < 0.01) more time in the dark arena and showed memory enhancement effects as compared to the stress control group, while h5 showed a poor (p < 0.05) response on day 1. Similarly, on day 2, those treated with compounds h2 (p < 0.001), h3 (p < 0.001), h1 (p < 0.01), h4, and h5 (p >0.05) remained for a short period in the light chamber and those treated with compounds h2 (p < 0.001) and h3 (p < 0.01) spent significantly more time in the dark chamber, revealing a memory enhancement effect as compared to the stress control group, while h1, h4, h5 (p > 0.05) showed a poor response (Figure 2C,D).

p < 0.01) spent significantly more time in the dark chamber, revealing a memory enhancement effect as compared to the stress control group, while h1, h4, h5 (p ˃ 0.05) showed a poor response (Figure 2C,D).

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Figure 2. Effect of mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues (h1–h5) in the light–dark test on (A) time spent (s) on day 1 in light compartment, (B) time spent (s) on day 1 in dark compartment, (C) day 2, time spent (s) in light compartment, and (D) day 2, time spent (s) in dark compartment. Results are shown as mean ± SD, n = 8. Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was applied for normality distribution and each data set was found to have a normal distribution. One-way ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni’s multiple comparison tests (post hoc), was applied and expressed as ### p < 0.001 vs. normal control group, and *** p < 0.001, ** p < 0.01, * p < 0.05, “ns” p >0.05 vs. stress control group.

Figure 2. Effect of mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues (h1–h5) in the light–dark test on (A) time spent (s) on day 1 in light compartment, (B) time spent (s) on day 1 in dark compartment, (C) day 2, time spent (s) in light compartment, and (D) day 2, time spent (s) in dark compartment. Results are shown as mean ± SD, n = 8. Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was applied for normality distribution and each data set was found to have a normal distribution. One-way ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni’s multiple comparison tests (post hoc), was applied and expressed as ###p < 0.001 vs. normal control group, and *** p < 0.001, ** p < 0.01, * p < 0.05, “ns” p ˃ 0.05 vs. stress control group.

3.3.2. Hole Board Assay

The numbers of hole pokings were significantly (p < 0.001) decreased by the administration of scopolamine in comparison to the normal control group, which showed oxidative stress (amnesia) in the stress control group on days 1 and 2, as shown in Figure 3A,B. The mice in the standard control group showed a significantly increased number of hole pokings (p < 0.001) on day 1 and (p < 0.01) on day 2, showing a reduction in amnesia. Similarly, compound h2 significantly (p < 0.01) increased the number of hole pokings, followed by h1, h3, h4 (p < 0.05), indicating its antiamnesic potentials, while h5 (p > 0.05) showed no prominent response on day 1. On day 2, only compound h2 (p < 0.05) comparatively increased the number of hole pokings while the rest of the compounds showed no prominent effects on hole pokings in comparison to the stress control group.

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Figure 3. Effect of mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues (h1–h5) on (A) no. of hole pokings on day 1 and (B) no. of hole pokings on day 2. Results are shown as mean ± SD, n = 8. Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was applied for normality distribution and each data set was found to have a normal distribution. One-way ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni’s multiple comparison tests (post hoc), was applied on each data set and expressed as ### p < 0.001 vs. normal control group, and *** p < 0.001, ** p < 0.01, * p < 0.05, “ns” p >0.05 vs. stress control group.

Figure 3. Effect of mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues (h1–h5) on (A) no. of hole pokings on day 1 and (B) no. of hole pokings on day 2. Results are shown as mean ± SD, n = 8. Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was applied for normality distribution and each data set was found to have a normal distribution. One-way ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni’s multiple comparison tests (post hoc), was applied on each data set and expressed as ###p < 0.001 vs. normal control group, and *** p < 0.001, ** p < 0.01, * p < 0.05, “ns” p ˃ 0.05 vs. stress control group.

3.3.3. Y-Maze Test

1. 3.3.3. Y-Maze Test
2. 4). In the stress control group, scopolamine 1 mg/kg (i.p.) administration caused significant (p < 0.001) memory deficits in the stress control group. The standard control and compounds h2 (p < 0.001) and h3 (p < 0.001) significantly reversed the scopolamine-induced memory deficits by enhancing the percent spontaneous alternation performance in mice. Similarly, compounds h1, h4, and h5 (p ˃ 0.05) showed poor response in comparison to the stress control group. The results indicated that mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues, specifically h2 and h3, showed memory-enhancing effects by reversing the memory deficits caused by scopolamine administration.

The mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues (h1–h5) were investigated for memoryenhancing effects induced by scopolamine in the Y-maze mouse model (Figure 4). In the stress control group, scopolamine 1 mg/kg (i.p.) administration caused significant (p < 0.001) memory deficits in the stress control group. The standard control and compounds h2 (p < 0.001) and h3 (p < 0.001) significantly reversed the scopolamine-induced memory deficits by enhancing the percent spontaneous alternation performance in mice. Similarly, compounds h1, h4, and h5 (p > 0.05) showed poor response in comparison to the stress control group. The results indicated that mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues, specifically h2 and h3, showed memory-enhancing effects by reversing the memory deficits caused by scopolamine administration.

Biomedicines 2022, 10, 2597 , showed memory-enhancing effects by re-9 of 16 versing the memory deficits caused by scopolamine administration.

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Figure 4. Effects of mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues (h1–h5) on percent spontaneous alternation performance in Y-maze behavioral mouse model. Results are shown as mean ± SD, n = 8. Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was applied for normality distribution and each data set was found to have a normal distribution. One-way ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni’s multiple comparison tests (post hoc), was applied on each data set and expressed as ### p < 0.001 vs. normal control group, and *** p < 0.001, “ns” p >0.05 vs. stress control group.

3.4. Assessment of Biochemical Parameters and Biomarker Study

The mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues (h1–h5) after the in vivo behavioral studies were immediately subjected to biochemical assessment and biomarker studies. The isolated, homogenized hippocampus was analyzed for the determination of the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the level of malondialdehyde. In this study, scopolamine administration caused a reduction in the antioxidant enzymes and increased the MDA level, which indicated the induction of oxidative stress (Figure 5).

The administration of scopolamine 1 mg/kg (i.p.) induced oxidative stress and caused a significant (p < 0.001) increase in the lipid peroxidation (MDA) level in comparison to the normal control group (Figure 5A). Pretreatment with mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues for seven days reversed the oxidative stress by reducing the MDA level. The standard drug donepezil and h2 significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the MDA level in comparison to the stress control group. Curcumin analogue h3 moderately (p < 0.05) reduced the MDA level as compared to the stress control group. Likewise, in this assay, compounds h1, h4, and h5 showed no promising response.

In the catalase (CAT) assay, injecting scopolamine 1 mg/kg (i.p.) induced oxidative stress in the mice of the stress control group by significantly (p < 0.001) decreasing the activity of catalase in the hippocampus in comparison to the normal control group (Figure 5B). Pretreatment with compounds h1, h2, h3 and standard control significantly (p < 0.001) increased the catalase activity in the hippocampus in comparison to the stress control group, indicating their antioxidant potential. Compounds h4 and h5 did not show a significant (p > 0.05) increase in catalase level and showed comparative antioxidant response as compared to the stress control group, while h4 and h5 showed no promising (p > 0.05) antioxidant activity.

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Figure 5. Effect of mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues (h1–h5) on the (A) malondialdehyde (MDA) level, (B) catalase (CAT) activity, (C) superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, (D) glutathione (GSH) activity in the hippocampus while donepezil served as standard control. Results are shown as mean ± SD, n = 8. Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was applied for normality distribution and each data set was found to have a normal distribution. One-way ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni’s multiple comparison tests (post hoc), was applied on each data set and expressed as ### p < 0.001 vs. normal control group, and *** p < 0.001, ** p < 0.01, * p < 0.05, “ns” p >0.05 vs. stress control group.

Figure 5. Effect of mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues (h1–h5) on the (A) malondialdehyde (MDA) level, (B) catalase (CAT) activity, (C) superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, (D) glutathione (GSH) activity in the hippocampus while donepezil served as standard control. Results are shown as mean ± SD, n = 8. Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was applied for normality distribution and each data set was found to have a normal distribution. One-way ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni’s multiple comparison tests (post hoc), was applied on each data set and expressed as ###p < 0.001 vs. normal control group, and *** p < 0.001, ** p < 0.01, * p < 0.05, “ns” p ˃ 0.05 vs. stress control group.

The study of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the hippocampus of the mouse brain indicated that upon administration of scopolamine 1 mg/kg (i.p.), oxidative stress was induced in the hippocampus in the animals of the stress control group (Figure 5C). This revealed the significant (p < 0.001) reduction in SOD activity, which reverted the memory deficits with the pretreatment of consecutive doses for seven days of the standard drug (p < 0.001), h2 (p < 0.001), and h3 (p < 0.01), in comparison to the stress control group, indicating that these types of curcumin analogues with methoxy and chloro substituent have strong antioxidant potential, while compound h1 with methyl, h4 with N,N dimethyl substituent, and h5 with nitro substituent showed no promising (p > 0.05) antioxidant activity in comparison to the stress control group.

Similarly, in the assay of glutathione (GSH), the activity of GSH was significantly (p < 0.001) lower upon the administration of scopolamine in the hippocampus of mice in the stress control group in comparison to the normal control group, indicating induction of oxidative stress (Figure 5D). The standard (p < 0.001) and the mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues h2 (p < 0.001) and h3 (p < 0.001) significantly increased the GSH activity in the hippocampus in comparison to the stress control group, which indicated the reversal of oxidative stress and showed the antioxidant potential of these compounds in mouse models, while compounds h1, h4, and h5 (p ˃ 0.05) showed no promising antioxidant responses.

Similarly, in the assay of glutathione (GSH), the activity of GSH was significantly (p < 0.001) lower upon the administration of scopolamine in the hippocampus of mice in the stress control group in comparison to the normal control group, indicating induction of oxidative stress (Figure 5D). The standard (p < 0.001) and the mono-carbonyl curcumin

The reactive oxygen species caused oxidative stress which is responsible for neurodegenerative diseases [50], and it has been reported that oxidative stress plays a pivotal

analogues h2 (p < 0.001) and h3 (p < 0.001) significantly increased the GSH activity in the hippocampus in comparison to the stress control group, which indicated the reversal of oxidative stress and showed the antioxidant potential of these compounds in mouse models, while compounds h1, h4, and h5 (p > 0.05) showed no promising antioxidant responses.

The reactive oxygen species caused oxidative stress which is responsible for neurodegenerative diseases [50], and it has been reported that oxidative stress plays a pivotal role as one of the etiologic factors of dementia and more than a hundred other diseases [44,51]. The main causes of memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are severe oxidative damage and alterations in the cholinergic system in the brain, deposition of β-amyloid protein, and extra neuronal plaque development [44]. Scopolamine, a muscarinic ACh receptor blocker, is extensively used in rodents and humans to induce oxidative stress, alter the neuronal cholinergic pathway, and reduce hippocampal volume [22]. Scopolamine quickly crosses the blood–brain barrier, causing induction of antimuscarinic activity by depleting acetylcholine, leading to memory loss. Thus, scopolamine is widely used for the induction of dementia in experimental animal models to investigate new compounds for assessing memory and learning behaviors [24].

Those agents which prevent oxidative stress and increase cholinergic activity in the neurons of the brain could be used to reduce the severity of dementia [52]. The symptomatic relief in dementia is provided by activating the cholinergic system by using cholinesterase blockers. At present, galantamine, donepezil, tacrine, and rivastigmine are the approved cholinesterase inhibitors recently reported to provide symptomatic relief in AD [6,28,29]. These only manage the severity of the illness and do not cure the disease completely due to their diminished long-term efficacy and are often associated with side effects. Therefore, the design and development of an effective agent for the treatment of AD are urgently required [6]. In this scenario, our initial study reported on mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues (h1–h5) proven to be effective acetylcholine esterase inhibitors in animal models [5]. These compounds showed significant antioxidant potential in the in vitro assay. Research studies indicated that methoxy (–OCH3) and hydroxyl (-OH) substituted derivatives are responsible for the their antioxidant effects [53]. The monocarbonyl curcumin analogues with a methoxy substituted moiety exhibited significant antioxidant potential and this was consistent with reported studies [54,55].

The light–dark box mouse model works on the principle of the animal behavior of avoiding the light chamber and exploring the novel environment [56]. The memory assessment using the Y-maze test works on the principle of rodents exploring objects and is considered one of the most convenient and reliable behavior models [57]. The Y-maze mouse model records the percent of spontaneous alternation behavior in mice [6]. Similarly, the head dips and rearing (hole poking) behaviors in mice in the hole board test were used for the assessment of anxiety-like behavior [58,59]. The time spent in the light chamber was longer upon administration of scopolamine, indicating the induction of oxidative stress. The reduced tendency of animals to enter the light compartment, the decrease in the number of hole pokings, and the reduction in the percent spontaneous alternation performance represent a condition of fear, anxiety, and stress in the light–dark box, hole board, and Y-maze mouse models, respectively [5,41,60]. The mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues in the in vivo models significantly decreased the time spent in the light chamber and increased the time spent in the dark compartment in the light–dark box test. The numbers of holes pokings were higher in the hole board test and the percent spontaneous alternation performance was higher in the Y-maze test. The reported curcumin analogues showed promising results and increased the percent spontaneous alternation performance. These results were consistent with previous findings [6,61].

The administration of scopolamine was responsible for the brain’s reduced antioxidant capacity and a marked increase in the MDA level, which is considered the index of lipid

peroxidation. Scopolamine caused an increase in the markers of oxidative stress and memory impairment by reducing the cholinergic neurotransmission in the brain [62]. It has been reported that during stressful situations the nervous system is often prone to enhanced lipid peroxidation levels due to high oxygen tension and oxidative damage [45]. In addition, injecting scopolamine in rodents weakens the antioxidant system and induces the lipid peroxidation in the brain, including in those brain parts responsible for memory and learning phenomena [63]. In conditions of severe oxidative stress, the increased generation of reactive oxygen species interacts with many vital components of cells, including lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and proteins, causing damage to neuronal cells, leading to memory impairment [24]. Similarly, our research showed that the standard drug, donepezil, significantly attenuated the oxidative stress by protecting the antioxidant system and this was consistent with reported studies [64]. These outcomes also suggest the significant antioxidant potential of donepezil, which is important for the attenuation of oxidative stress related to neurodegenerative disorders [65].

In this study, oxidative stress was induced by injecting scopolamine, appearing in the form of disorderly markers of oxidative stress such as higher lipid peroxidation (MDA) and a reduction in the antioxidant enzyme system catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH), responsible for memory loss [62]. The more oxygen is consumed, the more the nervous system is prone to enhanced MDA levels during stressful circumstances [45,66]. The reduction in lipid peroxidation with pretreatment of monocarbonyl curcumin analogues indicated their antioxidant potential by reducing oxidative stress in mice. It has been reported in various studies that administration of curcumin causes a reduction in oxidative stress [38,67]. The scopolamine administration not only increased the lipid peroxidation but also reduced the activity of antioxidant systems in the brain such as CAT, SOD, and GSH [22,68]. The reported mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues substantially altered the effect of scopolamine and increased the activity of CAT, SOD, and GSH by reducing the oxidative stress in the hippocampus, and these findings were consistent with a reported study [38]. At present, treating Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders with curcumin is a focus of interest for researchers [37]. Chronic administration of curcumin analogues improves neurogenesis [69]. Bearing in mind the concluding results of this work, mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues reduce the severity of dementia as well as improve cognition.

Despite its tremendous pharmacological profile, curcumin has poor water solubility, low permeability through the BBB, and poor bioavailability, which will make it difficult for it to be an ideal drug [70]. Our reported curcumin analogues have also been found to be poorly water soluble. The low bioavailability of curcumin is considered one of the main obstacles for its clinical application against various disorders such as AD and cancers [71]. There are various strategies, such as nano-formulations [72] and the synthesis of curcumin analogues with structural modification and also combination with other multiple components, to enhance its efficacy. These strategies will not only improve the efficacy of curcumin and its analogues but will also enhance its therapeutic effectiveness against a number of diseases such as AD.

The current research work involved in vitro and hippocampal-based investigation. Further research studies are suggested to explore the complete pharmacological profiles, specifically neuropharmacological, of these compounds to find a molecule that can be added to the therapy of oxidative stress-induced neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

In conclusion, oxidative stress is responsible for altering the endogenous antioxidant markers and is associated with reduced cholinergic system activity, leading to dementia. The mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues decrease oxidative stress and show their effective-

ness in attenuating memory loss associated with dementia in mice. This study suggested that the neuroprotective effect of these compounds on scopolamine-induced oxidative stress was due to improving the antioxidant and cholinergic systems in the hippocampus. In addition, these compounds might be appropriate candidates for treating stress-induced cognitive dysfunction after exploring their complete pharmacological profile.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, S.A., S.W.A.S. and S.U.R.; methodology, H.H., S.W.A.S. and A.U.; software, O.A. and M.A. (Mamdouh Allahyani); formal analysis, M.H.; investigation, H.H.; resources, S.W.A.S.; writing—review and editing, H.H., A.U., E.A., A.A.A. and M.A. (Manzoor Ahmad); funding acquisition, M.A. (Mazen Almehmadi). All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding: Taif University Researchers Supporting Project number: TURSP-2020/80.

Institutional Review Board Statement: This study was performed as per the approval of the “Departmental Ethical Committee” vide notification (SBBU/IEC-20-02) in accordance with the “Scientific Procedure Issue-I” 2008 animal by laws of the University of Malakand.

Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable. Data Availability Statement: Data is contained within the article. Acknowledgments: The authors would like to thank Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia, for its support (Taif University Researchers Supporting Project number: TURSP-2020/80). Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest for this article.