Abstract
BACKGROUND: Neurodevelopmental disorders are chronic conditions affecting behavior, cognition, and social function, often arising from early brain development disruptions. Preterm infants are particularly vulnerable to brain injuries, such as periventricular leukomalacia, which can lead to long-term disabilities. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of progesterone in reducing the severity of a preterm brain injury in rat model. METHODS: A preterm brain injury rat model was established using lipopolysaccharide to induce brain injury. The neuroprotective effects of progesterone were evaluated through histological assessments comparing treated and untreated groups. The study also aimed to assess the efficacy of progesterone in controlling brain injury severity. RESULTS: The findings suggest that progesterone exhibits neuroprotective properties, with a significant difference in the severity of brain injury. The histological evaluations suggest that progesterone may reduce inflammation and promote neuronal survival in preterm brain injury. CONCLUSION: The administration of progesterone shows promising results as a therapeutic strategy for preventing and treating brain injuries in preterm rat pups. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and potential clinical applications of the hormone.