# Cognitive and anti-inflammatory effects of Palmaria palmata in a schizophrenia mouse model: insights into CREB signaling, Iba-1 expression, and CD4+ cell modulation

## TL;DR

This study explores how Palmaria palmata may help reduce inflammation and improve brain function in a mouse model of schizophrenia.

## Contribution

The study reveals new insights into how Palmaria palmata affects neuroinflammation and neuroplasticity in schizophrenia.

## Key findings

- Palmaria palmata reduced Iba1 and CREB expression, indicating reduced neuroinflammation and improved neuroplasticity.
- CD4+ cell expression decreased after Palmaria palmata treatment, suggesting a reduction in immune response.
- Palmaria palmata showed antioxidant activity against oxidative stress induced by cuprizone.

## Abstract

Schizophrenia is a prevalent mental illness characterized by complex behavioral and emotional disturbances, with its underlying molecular mechanisms yet to be fully elucidated.

This study aims to examine the neuroprotective effects of Palmaria palmata (Palmaria p.) on cognitive function in a schizophrenia mouse model.

A total of 28 adult male SWR Swiss mice were used over a 30-day period. The animals were randomly divided into four groups (n = 7): control, cuprizone (CPZ) (0.2% CPZ in chow), CPZ + Palmaria p. (600 μg/kg bw/day via gavage), and Palmaria p. alone. The antioxidant activity of Palmaria p. was assessed using a radical scavenging assay. Behavioral assessments, hippocampal (HC) and frontal cortex (FC) gene expression analyses, and histopathological evaluations were conducted.

Palmaria p. demonstrated remarkable antioxidant activity against CPZ-induced oxidative stress. No notable effects were observed in spatial memory, the novel object recognition test (NORT), or anxiety-related behaviors. In the CPZ-treated group, Iba1 and CREB expression levels increased in both the hippocampus (HC) and frontal cortex (FC). In the CPZ + Palmaria p. group, Iba1 expression was reduced by approximately one-fold in the HC and two-fold in the FC, while CREB expression was decreased by approximately two-fold in both regions compared to the CPZ group, indicating attenuation of neuroinflammation and restoration of neuroplasticity. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a notable decline in CD4+ expression following Palmaria p. administration, suggesting a decrease in the immunological response induced by CPZ.

The results highlight the potential of Palmaria p. to enhance neuroplasticity and reduce neuronal inflammation associated with schizophrenia.