β-amyloid formation, memory, and learning decline following long-term ovariectomy and its inhibition by systemic administration of apigenin and β-estradiol

Introduction: the increasing cases of alzheimer disease (ad) has caused numerous problems. the risk of developing ad increases in menopausal women, too. apigenin and β-estradiol are effective antioxidant and neuroprotective agents. we conducted the present study to explore their combined effects on β-amyloid plaque formation, memory, and learning in ovariectomized rats. methods: forty-two wistar rats were randomly assigned into 6 groups: 1) ovariectomized (ovx), 2) ovx + apigenin, 3) ovx + β-estradiol, 4) ovx + apigenin + β-estradiol, 5 &6) vehicle shams for e2 and api , and 7) surgical sham. treatment was done with apigenin and β-estradiol. then, we studied the formation of β-amyloid plaques, neuronal density in the hippocampus area, apoptosis, memory, and learning. results: findings showed the significant formation of β-amyloid plaques in the hippocampus of ovx animals and their memory impairment. apigenin and β-estradiol significantly reduced the number of β-amyloid plaques, as well as the symptoms of memory impairment and learning, and decreased the expression of caspase-3 in treated animals. conclusion: accordingly, β-estradiol and apigenin could have more potent therapeutic effects on ad.