Neuroprotective Effects of Ganoderma curtisii Polysaccharides After Kainic Acid-Seizure Induced

Background: Epilepsy is one of the major neurological disorders affecting world population. Although, some Ganoderma species have shown neuroprotective activities, the effects of polysaccharides isolated from Ganoderma curtisii on epileptic seizures have not been reported. Objective: The aims of the present study were to determine whether treatment with a polysaccharide fraction (GCPS-2) from a Mexican Ganoderma curtisii strain can reduce seizures, and the increases in the levels of apoptotic molecules and inflammatory cytokines in kainic acid-induced seizure mouse model. Materials and Methods: Rats were separated in groups: Control group received 2.5% Tween 20 solution; GCPS-2 groups were administered GCPS-2 (10, 40, or 80 mg/kg); KA group received KA 10 mg/kg; GCPS-2+KA received GCPS- 2 and 30 min later KA. Pathological changes in neuronal morphology, expression of B-cell lymphoma-2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin1-β and tumor necrosis factor-α) in the rat hippocampus and cortex were determined by immunohistochemistry. Results: Ganoderma curtisii soluble polysaccharides (GCPS-2) inhibited convulsions in rats. Moreover, treatment with GCPS-2 reduced the increased levels of apoptotic signaling molecules (Bcl-2) and proinflammatory mediators (in the kainic acid-treated hippocampus and cortex). Conclusion: Ganoderma curtisii soluble polysaccharides have a neuroprotective potential against epilepsy, partially through its ability to inhibit neurotoxic events in the in vivo hippocampus and cortex.