Effects of Epigallocatechin Gallate on Tissue Lipid Peroxide Levels in Traumatized Spinal Cord of Rat

Objective(s)Recent studies revealed the neuroprotective effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on a variety of neural injury. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of EGCG on the tissue lipid peroxidation after spinal cord injury (SCI).Materials and MethodsRats were randomly divided into four groups of 7 rats each as follows: sham-operated group, trauma group, and EGCG-treatment groups (50 mg/kg, i.p., immediately and 1 hr after SCI). The rats were euthanized 24 hr after injury and then, spinal cord samples were taken for determination of malodialdehyde levels, as an indicator of lipid peroxidation. ResultsThe results showed that MDA levels were significantly decreased in EGCG-treatment groups. ConclusionOn the basis of these findings, we propose that EGCG may be effective in protection of spinal cord tissue from injury.