Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Three Natural Antioxidants on a Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease: A Comparative Study

Abstract

We compared the neuroprotective action of three natural bio-antioxidants (AOs): ellagic acid (EA), α-lipoic acid (LA), and myrtenal (Myrt) in an experimental model of Parkinson’s disease (PD) that was induced in male Wistar rats through an intrastriatal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). The animals were divided into five groups: the sham-operated (SO) control group; striatal 6-OHDA-lesioned control group; and three groups of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats pre-treated for five days with EA, LA, and Myrt (50 mg/kg; intraperitoneally- i.p.), respectively. On the 2nd and the 3rd week post lesion, the animals were subjected to several behavioral tests: apomorphine-induced rotation; rotarod; and the passive avoidance test. Biochemical evaluation included assessment of main oxidative stress parameters as well as dopamine (DA) levels in brain homogenates. The results showed that all three test compounds improved learning and memory performance as well as neuromuscular coordination. Biochemical assays showed that all three compounds substantially decreased lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels, and restored catalase (CAT) activity and DA levels that were impaired by the challenge with 6-OHDA. Based on these results, we can conclude that the studied AOs demonstrate properties that are consistent with significant antiparkinsonian effects. The most powerful neuroprotective effect was observed with Myrt, and this work represents the first demonstration of its anti-Parkinsonian impact.

Preparation, Optimization and Evaluation of Chitosan-Based Avanafil Nanocomplex Utilizing Antioxidants for Enhanced Neuroprotective Effect on PC12 Cells

“…Many reports confirmed the ability of LP andEAaspotentialantioxidants [ 31 ]. Finally, PDE-5 inhibitor and nanocomplex formulation with antioxidants can be the potent neuroprotective agents in the clinical treatment of DN [ 32 , 33 ].…”

Ellagic Acid Prevents Dopamine Neuron Degeneration from Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation in MPTP Model of Parkinson’s Disease

“…However, EA treatment prior to MPTP administration significantly increased the GSH level and decreased the MDA level, again suggesting the antioxidant function of EA. In several studies, EA has been widely reported to exert free radical scavenging and potent antioxidant activity by scavenging ROS and restoring the activity of cellular antioxidant enzymes [31][32][33][34][35].…”

Natural Phytochemicals as Novel Therapeutic Strategies to Prevent and Treat Parkinson’s Disease: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives

“…EA treatment also improved motor function and electrophysiological performance in medial forebrain bundlelesioned rats by raising cerebral antioxidant content [177]. Other studies discovered that combined treatment with three compounds such as EA, α-lipoic acid, and myrtenal attenuated decreases in DA levels, substantially decreased lipid peroxidation levels, and restored CAT activity in 6-OHDAinduced PD rats [262].…”