An animal model of the procognitive properties of cysteine protease inhibitor and immunomodulatory peptides based on colostrum.

BACKGROUND: The positive effect of human cystatin C on the development of Alzheimer's disease has been reported, as it inhibits the formation of β-amyloid oligomers and amyloidogenesis. Cystatin C has been found to have a neuroprotective effect by inhibiting cysteine proteases, inducing autophagy and neurogenesis. There is a growing interest in the procognitive properties of colostrum-based specimens, which could delay dementia and ameliorate memory deterioration.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of ovocystatin and a Coloco peptide complex on the cognitive functions in reference to Colostrinin, using a model of young (4 month-old) and old (10-month-old) Wistar rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the present study, the effects of ovocystatin [100 μg/rat] and the Coloco peptide [4 μg/rat]derived from colostrum were assessed with respect to the reference specimen, Colostrinin [4 μg/rat]. The specimens were administered intraperitoneally and orally for 12 days. Cognitive functions were assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM).

RESULTS: The group of young rats that received ovocystatin orally obtained significantly better results in the MWM compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). Similarly, the group of young rats receiving Coloco orally obtained better results in the MWM compared to the placebo group and to the group of rats receiving Colostrinin (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the oral and intraperitoneal administration of ovocystatin, Coloco and Colostrinin in the group of old rats.

CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results suggest that oral administration of ovocystatin and Coloco has beneficial effects on the cognitive functions of young rats.