Paper Title
Neuroprotective Role of Azilsartan in Aluminum Chloride Induced Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract
Background: Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the presence of neurotoxic proteins as amyloid plaques and hyperphosphorylated Tau. Angiotensin receptor blockers showed a cognitive improvement in Alzheimer’s disease. Impact of azilsartan on cognitive function has not been evaluated. Hence, the present work was conducted to investigate the neuroprotective role of azilsartan against aluminum chloride induced- Alzheimer like disease in rats. Methods: Thirty male wister rats were used in this study. Alzheimer was induced by oral administration of aluminum chloride (100 mg /kg). The rats were randomly divided into five groups: control rats received only normal saline, vehicle rats received carboxymethylcellulose sodium, aluminum chloride treated group, aluminum chloride + azilsartan (3.5 mg/kg), and aluminum chloride + azilsartan (7 mg/kg). After two months of azilsartan and aluminum administration, Y-maze test was used to evaluate the cognitive function, followed by measurement of hippocampal amyloid beta 1-42 level in rats by ELISA kit. Results: Aluminum chloride-administered group showed a markedly (p<0.05) impairment of cognitive function in Y-maze test, accompanied by significant increase of amyloid beta -42 levels compared to negative control. Azilsartan co-administration with aluminum chloride was significantly reversed (p<0.05) cognitive dysfunction and significantly lowered (p<0.001) amyloid beta -42 level compared to non-treated Aluminum chloride-administered group. Conclusion: Azilsartan offers neuroprotection against Aluminum chloride-induced Alzheimer by decreasing production of Aβ-42 in the hippocampus and improve cognitive functions. Further comprehensive studies is necessary to elucidate the underline mechanism of azilsartan neuroprotective effect on Aluminum chloride - induced Alzheimer in rats. Keywords - Amyloid plaques, Alzheimer’s, Azilsartan, Neuroprotective, Y-Maze Test.