Nicorandil attenuates cognitive impairment after traumatic brain injury via inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation: Involvement of BDNF and NGF.

Background And Purpose: Cognitive impairment is a prevalent adverse consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The neuroprotective effects of nicorandil (N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-nicotinamide nitrate) has been previously documented, yet its protective effects against cognitive dysfunction post-TBI remain unclear. Hence, the present study was aimed to evaluate whether nicorandil attenuates cognitive dysfunction in TBI rats and the underlying mechanism behind this process.