EFFECTS OF POST WEANING BISPHENOL A EXPOSURE ON COGNITION AND OXIDATIVE STRESS MARKERS IN THE PREFRONTAL CORTEX: POSSIBLE ROLE OF SILYMARIN

Bisphenol A (BPA), a widespread industrial chemical, has been associated with various neurotoxic effects, particularly in critical developmental stages such as post-weaning. This study investigates the effects of post-weaning BPA exposure on cognitive functions and oxidative stress markers in the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is a key brain region involved in executive functions, memory, and decision-making, making it vulnerable to oxidative damage and cognitive dysfunction induced by environmental toxins like BPA. Furthermore, oxidative stress plays a central role in BPA-induced neurotoxicity by disrupting the balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses, leading to neuronal damage. This research also explores the neuroprotective potential of silymarin, a flavonoid complex known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. BPA exposure led to impaired cognition, which was associated with increased MDA, and reduced GSH, SOD, catalase activities. Also, acetylcholinesterase activity increased while dopamine levels reduced in BPA-exposed rats. These alterations were attenuate by silymarin co-administration. These findings provide critical insights into the therapeutic potential of silymarin in protecting against BPA-induced neurotoxicity and cognitive impairments.