Investigating the effect of cerium oxide nanoparticle on beta-amyloid-induced memory loss

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of nerve cells in the hippocampus region of the brain, leading to amnesia. This study investigates the potential antioxidant effects of cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CNPs) on hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons and spatial learning in rats with Alzheimer’s disease induced by beta-amyloid. Thirty male rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 5): AD (undergoing surgery using a stereotaxic device), AD + nano-drug groups (three experimental groups receiving daily doses of nano-drug via gavage at 0.6, 0.4, and 0.1 mg/kg for 28 days after surgery), and control groups (received normal saline intraperitoneally). On day 24 postsurgery, the animals were trained in the Morris water maze with a hidden escape platform to assess spatial learning. The results of the Morris water maze study demonstrated that Alzheimer’s surgery caused spatial learning impairments in rats, while treatment with cerium oxide nanoparticles improved spatial learning performance. Furthermore, the treatment significantly reduced neuronal destruction in the CA1 region compared to the group receiving normal saline (P < 0.01). These findings suggest that cerium oxide nanoparticles alleviate memory impairment in rats. Acting as potent antioxidants, ceria nanoparticles mitigate the detrimental effects of beta-amyloid on memory and hippocampal CA1 neurons, thereby enhancing memory improvement and movement patterns in Alzheimer’s rats.