Abstract
Oxidative stress plays an important role in the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Altered redox homeostasis in neurons interferes with several biological processes, ultimately leading to neuronal death. Oxidative damage has been identified as one of the principal mechanisms underlying the progression of PD. Several studies highlight the key role of superoxide radicals in inducing neuronal toxicity. Batryticatus Bombyx (BB), the dried larva of Bombyx mori L. infected by Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill., has been used in traditional medicine for its various pharmacological effects. In the present study, BB showed a beneficial effect on 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced neurotoxicity by directly targeting dopaminergic neurons. Treatment with BB improved behavioral impairments, protected dopaminergic neurons, and maintained dopamine levels in PD mouse models. Here, we investigated the protective effects of BB on MPTP-induced PD in mice and explored the underlying mechanisms of action, focusing on oxidative signaling. In MPTP-induced PD, BB promoted recovery from impaired movement, prevented dopamine depletion, and protected against dopaminergic neuronal degradation in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) or the striatum (ST). Moreover, BB upregulated mediators of antioxidative response such as superoxidase dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) dehydrogenase (NQO1). Thus, treatment with BB reduced the oxidative stress, improved behavioral impairments, and protected against dopamine depletion in MPTP-induced toxicity.
Highlights
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most neurodegenerative disorder induced by a degenerative loss of dopaminergic neurons in projecting from the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) to the striatum (ST), leading to decreased contents of dopamine in the basal ganglia [1]
We investigated whether BB ameliorated the behavioral impairments and pathology associated with PD using an MPTP-induced PD mouse model
Our behavioral analysis revealed that BB significantly improved motor impairment in the MPTP mouse model
Summary
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most neurodegenerative disorder induced by a degenerative loss of dopaminergic neurons in projecting from the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) to the striatum (ST), leading to decreased contents of dopamine in the basal ganglia [1]. Decreased dopamine contents are associated with adverse movement impairments, including bradykinesia, resting tremor, and postural instability [1,2]. The plausible mechanism of PD is unknown, neuronal oxidation, neuroinflammation, and consequent mitochondria-mediated neuronal damage have been implicated in PD pathogenesis [1,3]. Dopaminergic neurons are rich in reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are a major cause of PD due to oxidative stress. ROS is one of the factors that reduces cognitive and motor performance in neurodegenerative diseases.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
