Vitamin E, Melatonin Counteract Cognitive Decline

ELAZIG, Turkey--Intake of vitamin E and melatonin may attenuate cognitive impairment secondary to diabetes mellitus, according to a study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology (537, 1-3:106-10, 2006).

Researchers from Firat University induced diabetes in male albino rats via intraperitoneal streptozotocin injection. Diabetic rats developed significant impairments in learning and memory behaviors as indicated by declining scores in water maze tests, while control rats did not display such deficits. Furthermore, lipid peroxidation levels increased and glutathione concentration decreased in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of diabetic rats. Treatment with melatonin and vitamin E significantly ameliorated learning and memory impairment, lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels toward their control values.

The researchers concluded oxidative stress may contribute to learning and memory deficits in diabetes, and the antioxidants melatonin and vitamin E can improve related cognitive impairment.