Abstract:
The cerebellum is responsible for complex motor functions, like maintaining balance and
stance, coordination of voluntary movements, motor learning, and cognitive tasks. During aging,
most of these functions deteriorate, which results in falls and accidents. The aim of this work was to
elucidate the effect of a standardized pomegranate extract during four months of supplementation
in elderly mice to prevent frailty and improve the oxidative state. Male C57Bl/6J eighteen-monthold
mice were evaluated for frailty using the “Valencia Score” at pre-supplementation and postsupplementation
periods. We analyzed lipid peroxidation in the cerebellum and brain cortex and the
glutathione redox status in peripheral blood. In addition, a set of aging-related genes in cerebellum
and apoptosis biomarkers was measured via real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Our
results showed that pomegranate extract supplementation improved the motor skills of C57Bl/6J
aged mice in motor coordination, neuromuscular function, and monthly weight loss, but no changes
in grip strength and endurance were found. Furthermore, pomegranate extract reversed the increase
in malondialdehyde due to aging in the cerebellum and increased the reduced glutathione/oxidized
glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio in the blood. Finally, aging and apoptosis biomarkers improved in
aged mice supplemented with pomegranate extract in the cerebellum but not in the cerebral cortex.
Body composition analyzer, small animal DXA, InAlyzer
