Investigation of the effects of morin on potassium bromate-induced brain damage in rats via different pathways with biochemical and histopathological methods

Aim: Potassium bromate (KBrO3) is a colorless, odorless substance used as a food additive. It causes multiple organ damage and neurotoxicity. Morin is a flavonoid from the Moraceae family known to have antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, antiautophagic, and neuroprotective properties. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of Morin against KBrO3-induced brain damage. Methods: 62 mg/kg KBrO3 and 50-100 mg/kg Morin were administered to 35 male rats by oral gavage daily for 14 days. Various analyses were performed using molecular, biochemical, and histological methods. Results: The analyses results showed that KBrO3 application decreased antioxidant markers and raised lipid peroxidation in the brain tissue. The KBrO3 application triggered apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and inflammation. Morin treatment increased enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant levels and decreased lipid peroxidation. In addition, Morin alleviated KBrO3-induced apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and inflammation in the brain tissue. The histopathological analysis revealed an increase in degenerative changes, as well as pyknotic changes and vacuolization in cells, in neurons in the KBrO3 group. Increased hyperemia and congestion were detected in the meninges and vessels in the cerebral cortex. Conclusion: KBrO3 application caused toxicity in the brain tissue and impaired tissue integrity, whereas Morin treatment alleviated KBrO3-induced toxicity.