Co-Supplementation of Policosanol and Atorvastatin Attenuates High-Cholesterol and High-Galactose Diet-Induced Ocular and Brain Damage and Improves Cognitive Health in Zebrafish

Objectives

This study compares the effects of policosanol (PCO), atorvastatin (ATV), and their combination (ATV + PCO) on high-cholesterol and high-galactose diet (HCHG)-induced adverse events in the eyes and brain, as well as cognitive behavior, in zebrafish. Methodology: Adult zebrafish (n = 42/group) were fed for 22 weeks with HCHG, or HCHG co-supplemented with PCO, ATV, or ATV + PCO. Corneal clouding was assessed in all the groups, while retina and brain tissue were collected for histological and immunohistochemical analyses. Cognitive behavior across the groups was analyzed using the open field test, and memory impairment was assessed using electric pulse (passive avoidance) response tests.