Abrogation of locomotor impairment in a rotenone-induced Drosophila melanogaster and zebrafish model of Parkinson′s disease by ellagic acid and curcumin

Abstract

Background: In this study, we investigated the potential protective effects of ellagic acid and curcumin against the toxicity induced by rotenone (ROT) in zebrafish and Drosophila melanogaster . Materials and Methods: Adult zebrafish were concomitantly exposed to ROT 5 μl/L and ellagic acid (20, 40 mg/kg) and curcumin (20, 40 mg/kg) intramuscularly for 14 days whereas adult wild-type flies were concomitantly exposed to ROT (500 μM), respectively and ellagic acid (0.05% and 0.1%) and curcumin (0.05% and 0.1%) in the food during 7 days. Results: ROT produced marked decreased in the zebrafish swimming behavior and flies had a poorer performance (21-31%) in the negative geotaxis assay (i.e., climbing capability) when compared to control group. Ellagic acid and curcumin treatment offered protection (54-80%) against the ROT-induced locomotor impairment and performed better in zebrafish and in the negative geotaxis assay suggesting attenuation of ROT-induced locomotor deficits. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that ellagic acid and curcumin was effective in reducing the toxicity induced by ROT in zebrafish and D. melanogaster as well as confirm the significance of this model to explore possible therapeutic approaches on movement disorders, including Parkinson disease.