scholarly journals Antioxidant Therapy in Parkinson’s Disease: Insights from Drosophila melanogaster

Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica De Lazzari ◽  
Federica Sandrelli ◽  
Alexander J. Whitworth ◽  
Marco Bisaglia

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role as endogenous mediators in several cellular signalling pathways. However, at high concentrations they can also exert deleterious effects by reacting with many macromolecules including DNA, proteins and lipids. The precise balance between ROS production and their removal via numerous enzymatic and nonenzymatic molecules is of fundamental importance for cell survival. Accordingly, many neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), are associated with excessive levels of ROS, which induce oxidative damage. With the aim of coping with the progression of PD, antioxidant compounds are currently receiving increasing attention as potential co-adjuvant molecules in the treatment of these diseases, and many studies have been performed to evaluate the purported protective effects of several antioxidant molecules. In the present review, we present and discuss the relevance of the use of Drosophila melanogaster as an animal model with which to evaluate the therapeutic potential of natural and synthetic antioxidants. The conservation of most of the PD-related genes between humans and D. melanogaster, along with the animal’s rapid life cycle and the versatility of genetic tools, makes fruit flies an ideal experimental system for rapid screening of antioxidant-based treatments.

Toxins ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyung Hwa Kim ◽  
Minhwan Kim ◽  
Jaehwan Lee ◽  
Hat Nim Jeon ◽  
Se Hyun Kim ◽  
...  

Bee venom contains a number of pharmacologically active components, including enzymes and polypeptides such as phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and melittin, which have been shown to exhibit therapeutic benefits, mainly via attenuation of inflammation, neurotoxicity, and nociception. The individual components of bee venom may manifest distinct biological actions and therapeutic potential. In this study, the potential mechanisms of action of PLA2 and melittin, among different compounds purified from honey bee venom, were evaluated against Parkinson’s disease (PD). Notably, bee venom PLA2 (bvPLA2), but not melittin, exhibited neuroprotective activity against PD in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of PD. MPTP-induced behavioral deficits were also abolished after bvPLA2 treatment, depending on the PLA2 content. Further, bvPLA2 administration activated regulatory T cells (Tregs) while inhibiting inflammatory T helper (Th) 1 and Th17 cells in the MPTP mouse model of PD. These results indicate that bvPLA2, but not melittin, protected against MPTP and alleviated inflammation in PD. Thus, bvPLA2 is a promising and effective therapeutic agent in Parkinson’s disease.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (7) ◽  
pp. 1538 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hayate Javed ◽  
Sheikh Azimullah ◽  
MF Meeran ◽  
Suraiya Ansari ◽  
Shreesh Ojha

Parkinson’s disease (PD), a multifactorial movement disorder that involves progressive degeneration of the nigrostriatal system affecting the movement ability of the patient. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation both are shown to be involved in the etiopathogenesis of PD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of thymol, a dietary monoterpene phenol in rotenone (ROT)-induced neurodegeneration in rats that precisely mimics PD in humans. Male Wistar rats were injected ROT at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg body weight for 4 weeks, to induce PD. Thymol was co-administered for 4 weeks at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight, 30 min prior to ROT injection. The markers of dopaminergic neurodegeneration, oxidative stress and inflammation were estimated using biochemical assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting and immunocytochemistry. ROT challenge increased the oxidative stress markers, inflammatory enzymes and cytokines as well as caused significant damage to nigrostriatal dopaminergic system of the brain. Thymol treatment in ROT challenged rats appears to significantly attenuate dopaminergic neuronal loss, oxidative stress and inflammation. The present study showed protective effects of thymol in ROT-induced neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration mediated by preservation of endogenous antioxidant defense networks and attenuation of inflammatory mediators including cytokines and enzymes.


Author(s):  
Thao Thi Phuong Dang ◽  
Linh Mỹ Đào ◽  
Tươi Văn Phan ◽  
Anh Mẫn Huỳnh

Parkinson's is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world (after Alzheimer's), characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and mobility impairment, which consequently severely reduces patient life quality. Up to now, Parkinson's Disease cannot be completely cured. Base on the relationship between oxidative stress and the formation, the progression of Parkinson's Disease, antioxidant compounds have been studied as potential candidates in rescue or retard disease progression. Resveratrol is a strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptosis compound that exists in many fruits, especially grapes, strawberries..., and has activity depends on the used concentration. In this study, we evaluated the potential of resveratrol for treating Parkinson's Disease at concentrations of 0.064 mg/g, 0.32 mg/g, 0.64 mg/g by utilizing the knockdown dUCH (Drosophila ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase) Drosophila melanogaster model. This model can mimic the typical symptoms of Parkinson's Disease and has been proved for the efficiency in screening drugs to treat the disease. Our results showed that the use of resveratrol at a concentration of 0.32 mg/g was effective in preventing the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and improving mobility in dUCH knockdown flies. These results provided scientific evidence for the development of functional products or drugs to support Parkinson's Disease treatment.


Author(s):  
M.M. Essa ◽  
N. Braidy ◽  
W. Bridge ◽  
S. Subash ◽  
T. Manivasagam ◽  
...  

This review examines evidence of plant-derived natural products and their constituents that have been shown to slow down or reverse the underlying neuronal degeneration observed in Parkinson’s disease (PD), with a focus on their effect on the modulation of dopaminergic neurotransission levels and motor function. During the last decade, there have been over 140 studies published that have investigated the anti-PD therapeutic potential of herbs, fruits, vegetables and spices, ornamental and parasitic plants, and fungi. Empirical evidence implicates phytochemicals may play a role in the prevention and mitigation of some of the intractable signs and symptoms of PD. The anti-PD effects exhibited by these natural products are considered to be due to their ability to modulate; reactive oxygen species production, neuroinflammation, dopamine production, excitotoxicity, metal homeostasis, mitochondrial function, and cellular signaling pathways, which are all disrupted in the PD brain. However, the precise neuroprotective mechanism of action of natural products for PD remains unclear. Research is necessary to further elucidate the mechanisms by which these compounds are efficacious in attenuating PD or controlling PD-related symptoms.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akiko Muroyama ◽  
Aya Fujita ◽  
Cheng Lv ◽  
Shota Kobayashi ◽  
Yoshiyasu Fukuyama ◽  
...  

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of magnolol in preventing 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP-) induced neurodegeneration in mice and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion-(MPP+-) induced cytotoxicity to human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and to examine the possible mechanisms. Magnolol (30 mg/kg) was orally administered to C57BL/6N mice once a day for 4 or 5 days either before or after MPTP treatment. Western blot analysis revealed that MPTP injections substantially decreased protein levels of dopamine transporter (DAT) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels in the striatum. Both treatments with magnolol significantly attenuated MPTP-induced decrease in DAT and TH protein levels in the striatum. However, these treatments did not affect MPTP-induced increase in GFAP levels. Moreover, oral administration of magnolol almost completely prevented MPTP-induced lipid peroxidation in the striatum. In human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, magnolol significantly attenuated MPP+-induced cytotoxicity and the production of reactive oxygen species. These results suggest that magnolol has protective effects via an antioxidative mechanism in bothin vivoandin vitromodels of Parkinson’s disease.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 654
Author(s):  
Ka Young Kim ◽  
Keun-A Chang

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Several treatments for PD have focused on the management of physical symptoms using dopaminergic agents. However, these treatments induce various adverse effects, including hallucinations and cognitive impairment, owing to non-targeted brain delivery, while alleviating motor symptoms. Furthermore, these therapies are not considered ultimate cures owing to limited brain self-repair and regeneration abilities. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) using magnetic nanoparticles in a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced PD mouse model. We used the Maestro imaging system and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for in vivo tracking after transplantation of magnetic nanoparticle-loaded hASCs to the PD mouse model. The Maestro imaging system revealed strong hASCs signals in the brains of PD model mice. In particular, MRI revealed hASCs distribution in the substantia nigra of hASCs-injected PD mice. Behavioral evaluations, including apomorphine-induced rotation and rotarod performance, were significantly recovered in hASCs-injected 6-OHDA induced PD mice when compared with saline-treated counterparts. Herein, we investigated whether hASCs transplantation using magnetic nanoparticles recovered motor functions through targeted brain distribution in a 6-OHDA induced PD mice. These results indicate that magnetic nanoparticle-based hASCs transplantation could be a potential therapeutic strategy in PD.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Zijuan Zhang ◽  
Li Hao ◽  
Ming Shi ◽  
Ziyang Yu ◽  
Simai Shao ◽  
...  

Background: Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) is a peptide hormone derived from the proglucagon gene expressed in the intestines, pancreas and brain. Some previous studies showed that GLP-2 improved aging and Alzheimer’s disease related memory impairments. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, and to date, there is no particular medicine reversed PD symptoms effectively. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate neuroprotective effects of a GLP-2 analogue in the 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) PD mouse model. Methods: In the present study, the protease resistant Gly(2)-GLP-2 (50 nmol/kg ip.) analogue has been tested for 14 days by behavioral assessment, transmission electron microscope, immunofluorescence histochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blot in an acute PD mouse model induced by MPTP. For comparison, the incretin receptor dual agonist DA5-CH was tested in a separate group. Results: The GLP-2 analogue treatment improved the locomotor and exploratory activity of mice, and improved bradykinesia and movement imbalance of mice. Gly(2)-GLP-2 treatment also protected dopaminergic neurons and restored tyrosine hydroxylase expression levels in the substantia nigra. Gly(2)-GLP-2 furthermore reduced the inflammation response as seen in lower microglia activation, and decreased NLRP3 and interleukin-1β pro-inflammatory cytokine expression levels. In addition, the GLP-2 analogue improved MPTP-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in the substantia nigra. The protective effects were comparable to those of the dual agonist DA5-CH. Conclusion: The present results demonstrate that Gly(2)-GLP-2 can attenuate NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated inflammation and mitochondrial damage in the substantia nigra induced by MPTP, and Gly(2)-GLP-2 shows neuroprotective effects in this PD animal model.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eiji Inoue ◽  
Takahiro Suzuki ◽  
Yasuharu Shimizu ◽  
Keiichi Sudo ◽  
Haruhisa Kawasaki ◽  
...  

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with motor symptoms linked to the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. α-Synuclein is an aggregation-prone neural protein that plays a role in the pathogenesis of PD. In our previous paper, we found that saffron; the stigma of Crocus sativus Linné (Iridaceae), and its constituents (crocin and crocetin) suppressed aggregation of α-synuclein and promoted the dissociation of α-synuclein fibrils in vitro. In this study, we investigated the effect of dietary saffron and its constituent, crocetin, in vivo on a fly PD model overexpressing several mutant α-synuclein in a tissue-specific manner. Saffron and crocetin significantly suppressed the decrease of climbing ability in the Drosophila overexpressing A30P (A30P fly PD model) or G51D (G51D fly PD model) mutated α-synuclein in neurons. Saffron and crocetin extended the life span in the G51D fly PD model. Saffron suppressed the rough-eyed phenotype and the dispersion of the size histogram of the ocular long axis in A30P fly PD model in eye. Saffron had a cytoprotective effect on a human neuronal cell line with α-synuclein fibrils. These data showed that saffron and its constituent crocetin have protective effects on the progression of PD disease in animals in vivo and suggest that saffron and crocetin can be used to treat PD.


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