scholarly journals Neurorescue Effects of Frondoside A and Ginsenoside Rg3 in C. elegans Model of Parkinson’s Disease

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (16) ◽  
pp. 4843
Author(s):  
Pawanrat Chalorak ◽  
Tanatcha Sanguanphun ◽  
Tanapol Limboonreung ◽  
Krai Meemon

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a currently incurable neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and α-synuclein aggregation. Accumulated evidence indicates that the saponins, especially from ginseng, have neuroprotective effects against neurodegenerative disorders. Interestingly, saponin can also be found in marine organisms such as the sea cucumber, but little is known about its effect in neurodegenerative disease, including PD. In this study, we investigated the anti-Parkinson effects of frondoside A (FA) from Cucumaria frondosa and ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) from Panax notoginseng in C. elegans PD model. Both saponins were tested for toxicity and optimal concentration by food clearance assay and used to treat 6-OHDA-induced BZ555 and transgenic α-synuclein NL5901 strains in C. elegans. Treatment with FA and Rg3 significantly attenuated DAergic neurodegeneration induced by 6-OHDA in BZ555 strain, improved basal slowing rate, and prolonged lifespan in the 6-OHDA-induced wild-type strain with downregulation of the apoptosis mediators, egl-1 and ced-3, and upregulation of sod-3 and cat-2. Interestingly, only FA reduced α-synuclein aggregation, rescued lifespan in NL5901, and upregulated the protein degradation regulators, including ubh-4, hsf-1, hsp-16.1 and hsp-16.2. This study indicates that both FA and Rg3 possess beneficial effects in rescuing DAergic neurodegeneration in the 6-OHDA-induced C. elegans model through suppressing apoptosis mediators and stimulating antioxidant enzymes. In addition, FA could attenuate α-synuclein aggregation through the protein degradation process.

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hefeng Zhou ◽  
Min Shao ◽  
Xuanjun Yang ◽  
Chuwen Li ◽  
Guozhen Cui ◽  
...  

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), and there is no cure for it at present. We have previously reported that the tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) derivative T-006 exhibited beneficial effects in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) models. However, its effect on PD remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects and underlying mechanisms of T-006 against 6-hydroxydopamine- (6-OHDA-) induced lesions in in vivo and in vitro PD models. Our results demonstrated that T-006 alleviated mitochondrial membrane potential loss and restored the energy metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis that were induced by 6-OHDA in PC12 cells. In addition, animal experiments showed that administration of T-006 significantly attenuated the 6-OHDA-induced loss of tyrosine hydroxylase- (TH-) positive neurons in the SNpc, as well as dopaminergic nerve fibers in the striatum, and also increased the concentration of dopamine and its metabolites (DOPAC, HVA) in the striatum. Functional deficits were restored following T-006 treatment in 6-OHDA-lesioned mice, as demonstrated by improved motor coordination and rotational behavior. In addition, we found that the neuroprotective effects of T-006 were mediated, at least in part, by the activation of both the PKA/Akt/GSK-3β and CREB/PGC-1α/NRF-1/TFAM pathways. In summary, our findings demonstrate that T-006 could be developed as a novel neuroprotective agent for PD, and the two pathways might be promising therapeutic targets for PD.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natália Pessoa Rocha ◽  
Aline Silva de Miranda ◽  
Antônio Lúcio Teixeira

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, being characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Among several putative factors that may contribute to PD pathogenesis, inflammatory mechanisms may play a pivotal role. The involvement of microglial activation as well as of brain and peripheral immune mediators in PD pathophysiology has been reported by clinical and experimental studies. These inflammatory biomarkers evaluated by imaging techniques and/or by biological sample analysis have become valuable tools for PD diagnosis and prognosis. Regardless of the significant increase in the number of people suffering from PD, there are still no established disease-modifying or neuroprotective therapies for it. There is growing evidence of protective effect of anti-inflammatory drugs on PD development. Herein, we reviewed the current literature regarding the central nervous system and peripheral immune biomarkers in PD and advances in diagnostic and prognostic tools as well as the neuroprotective effects of anti-inflammatory therapies.


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.


2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohsin H.K. Roshan ◽  
Amos Tambo ◽  
Nikolai P. Pace

Parkinson’s disease [PD] is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease, affecting 1% of the population over the age of 55. The underlying neuropathology seen in PD is characterised by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta with the presence of Lewy bodies. The Lewy bodies are composed of aggregates of α-synuclein. The motor manifestations of PD include a resting tremor, bradykinesia, and muscle rigidity. Currently there is no cure for PD and motor symptoms are treated with a number of drugs including levodopa [L-dopa]. These drugs do not delay progression of the disease and often provide only temporary relief. Their use is often accompanied by severe adverse effects. Emerging evidence from bothin vivoandin vitrostudies suggests that caffeine may reduce parkinsonian motor symptoms by antagonising the adenosine A2Areceptor, which is predominately expressed in the basal ganglia. It is hypothesised that caffeine may increase the excitatory activity in local areas by inhibiting the astrocytic inflammatory processes but evidence remains inconclusive. In addition, the co-administration of caffeine with currently available PD drugs helps to reduce drug tolerance, suggesting that caffeine may be used as an adjuvant in treating PD. In conclusion, caffeine may have a wide range of therapeutic effects which are yet to be explored, and therefore warrants further investigation in randomized clinical trials.


2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (24) ◽  
pp. 4478-4491 ◽  
Author(s):  
BK. Binukumar ◽  
Varsha Shukla ◽  
Niranjana D. Amin ◽  
Philip Grant ◽  
M. Bhaskar ◽  
...  

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra, decreased striatal dopamine levels, and consequent extrapyramidal motor dysfunction. Recent evidence indicates that cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is inappropriately activated in several neurodegenerative conditions, including PD. To date, strategies to specifically inhibit Cdk5 hyperactivity have not been successful without affecting normal Cdk5 activity. Previously we reported that TFP5 peptide has neuroprotective effects in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease. Here we show that TFP5/TP5 selective inhibition of Cdk5/p25 hyperactivation in vivo and in vitro rescues nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurodegeneration induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP/MPP+) in a mouse model of PD. TP5 peptide treatment also blocked dopamine depletion in the striatum and improved gait dysfunction after MPTP administration. The neuroprotective effect of TFP5/TP5 peptide is also associated with marked reduction in neuroinflammation and apoptosis. Here we show selective inhibition of Cdk5/p25 ­hyperactivation by TFP5/TP5 peptide, which identifies the kinase as a potential therapeutic target to reduce neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease.


2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-108
Author(s):  
Gabriel E. Vázquez-Vélez ◽  
Huda Y. Zoghbi

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by degeneration of the substantia nigra pars compacta and by accumulation of α-synuclein in Lewy bodies. PD is caused by a combination of environmental factors and genetic variants. These variants range from highly penetrant Mendelian alleles to alleles that only modestly increase disease risk. Here, we review what is known about the genetics of PD. We also describe how PD genetics have solidified the role of endosomal, lysosomal, and mitochondrial dysfunction in PD pathophysiology. Finally, we highlight how all three pathways are affected by α-synuclein and how this knowledge may be harnessed for the development of disease-modifying therapeutics.


Metabolites ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anuri Shah ◽  
Pei Han ◽  
Mung-Yee Wong ◽  
Raymond Chang ◽  
Cristina Legido-Quigley

Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, without any widely available curative therapy. Metabolomics is a powerful tool which can be used to identify unexpected pathway-related disease progression and pathophysiological mechanisms. In this study, metabolomics in brain, plasma and liver was investigated in an experimental PD model, to discover small molecules that are associated with dopaminergic cell loss. Methods: Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were injected unilaterally with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) or saline for the vehicle control group into the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) to induce loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Plasma, midbrain and liver samples were collected for metabolic profiling. Multivariate and univariate analyses revealed metabolites that were altered in the PD group. Results: In plasma, palmitic acid (q = 3.72 × 10−2, FC = 1.81) and stearic acid (q = 3.84 × 10−2, FC = 2.15), were found to be increased in the PD group. Palmitic acid (q = 3.5 × 10−2) and stearic acid (q = 2.7 × 10−2) correlated with test scores indicative of motor dysfunction. Monopalmitin (q = 4.8 × 10−2, FC = −11.7), monostearin (q = 3.72 × 10−2, FC = −15.1) and myo-inositol (q = 3.81 × 10−2, FC = −3.32), were reduced in the midbrain. The liver did not have altered levels of these molecules. Conclusion: Our results show that saturated free fatty acids, their monoglycerides and myo-inositol metabolism in the midbrain and enteric circulation are associated with 6-OHDA-induced PD pathology.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 3459 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Barata-Antunes ◽  
Fábio G. Teixeira ◽  
Bárbara Mendes-Pinheiro ◽  
Ana V. Domingues ◽  
Helena Vilaça-Faria ◽  
...  

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder. The neurodegeneration leading to incapacitating motor abnormalities mainly occurs in the nigrostriatal pathway due to the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Several animal models have been developed not only to better understand the mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration but also to test the potential of emerging disease-modifying therapies. However, despite aging being the main risk factor for developing idiopathic PD, most of the studies do not use aged animals. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the effect of aging in the unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced animal model of PD. For this, female young adult and aged rats received a unilateral injection of 6-OHDA into the medial forebrain bundle. Subsequently, the impact of aging on 6-OHDA-induced effects on animal welfare, motor performance, and nigrostriatal integrity were assessed. The results showed that aging had a negative impact on animal welfare after surgery. Furthermore, 6-OHDA-induced impairments on skilled motor function were significantly higher in aged rats when compared with their younger counterparts. Nigrostriatal histological analysis further revealed an increased 6-OHDA-induced dopaminergic cell loss in the SNpc of aged animals when compared to young animals. Overall, our results demonstrate a higher susceptibility of aged animals to 6-OHDA toxic insult.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (20) ◽  
pp. 5208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bongki Cho ◽  
Taeyun Kim ◽  
Yu-Jin Huh ◽  
Jaemin Lee ◽  
Yun-Il Lee

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a well-known age-related neurodegenerative disorder associated with longer lifespans and rapidly aging populations. The pathophysiological mechanism is a complex progress involving cellular damage such as mitochondrial dysfunction and protein homeostasis. Age-mediated degenerative neurological disorders can reduce the quality of life and also impose economic burdens. Currently, the common treatment is replacement with levodopa to address low dopamine levels; however, this does not halt the progression of PD and is associated with adverse effects, including dyskinesis. In addition, elderly patients can react negatively to treatment with synthetic neuroprotection agents. Recently, natural compounds such as phytochemicals with fewer side effects have been reported as candidate treatments of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. This review focuses on mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, hormesis, proteostasis, the ubiquitin‒proteasome system, and autophagy (mitophagy) to explain the neuroprotective effects of using natural products as a therapeutic strategy. We also summarize the efforts to use natural extracts to develop novel pharmacological candidates for treatment of age-related PD.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 2761 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Buratta ◽  
Elisabetta Chiaradia ◽  
Alessia Tognoloni ◽  
Angela Gambelunghe ◽  
Consuelo Meschini ◽  
...  

Oxidative stress is considered to be a key factor of the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease, a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder characterized by reduced dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and accumulated protein aggregates. Rotenone is a worldwide-used pesticide that induces the most common features of Parkinson’s by direct inhibition of the mitochondrial complex I. Rotenone-induced Parkinson’s models, as well as brain tissues from Parkinson’s patients, are characterized by the presence of both lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation markers resulting from the increased level of free radical species. Oxidation introduces several modifications in protein structure, including carbonylation and nitrotyrosine formation, which severely compromise cell function. Due to the link existing between oxidative stress and Parkinson’s disease, antioxidant molecules could represent possible therapeutic tools for this disease. In this study, we evaluated the effect of curcumin, a natural compound known for its antioxidant properties, in dopaminergic PC12 cells treated with rotenone, a cell model of Parkinsonism. Our results demonstrate that the treatment of PC12 cells with rotenone causes severe protein damage, with formation of both carbonylated and nitrotyrosine-derived proteins, whereas curcumin (10 µM) co-exposure exerts protective effects by reducing the levels of oxidized proteins. Curcumin also promotes proteasome activation, abolishing the inhibitory effect exerted by rotenone on this degradative system.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document