Abstract
Pomegranate juice (PJ) is a rich source of ellagitannins (ETs), precursors of colonic metabolite urolithin A, which are believed to contribute to pomegranate’s neuroprotective effect. While many experimental studies involving PJ’s role in Alzheimer’s disease and hypoxic-ischemic brain injury have been conducted, our knowledge of pomegranate’s effects against Parkinson’s disease (PD) is very limited. Previously, we have reported that PJ treatment improved postural stability, which correlated well with enhancement of neuronal survival, protection against oxidative damage, and α-synuclein aggregation. Since olfactory and motor deficits are typical symptoms of PD, in this study, we aimed to investigate the capability of PJ to protect against olfactory, motoric, and neurochemical alterations. To evaluate its efficiency, Wistar rats were given a combined treatment with ROT (1.3 mg/kg b.w./day, s.c.) and PJ (500 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 35 days. After this, we assessed the olfactory discrimination index (DI) and vertical and horizontal activities as well as levels of dopamine and its main metabolite 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in the dissected midbrain of animals. Our findings provide the first evidence that PJ treatment protects against ROT-induced DA depletion in the midbrain, which correlates well with improved olfactory function and vertical activity as well as with the presence of urolithin A in the brain.
Highlights
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common human neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
We have reported neuroprotective effects of pomegranate juice (PJ) in a rat model of PD based on prolonged low-dose rotenone treatment, which was manifested by improved postural stability correlating well with enhancement of neuronal survival in the SN, protection against oxidative damage, and α-synuclein aggregation in the midbrain
Since olfactory and motor deficits are typical symptoms of PD associated with a decreased DA level, in this study, we aimed to investigate the capability of Pomegranate juice (PJ) for counteracting these alterations in the rotenone model of PD and examine whether it is associated with the presence of urolithin A (UA) in the brain
Summary
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common human neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It is a multi-attribute, debilitating condition that leads to significant disabilities and is related to a decreased quality of life over time. The pathological hallmark of PD is intracellular inclusions of misfolded α-synuclein, called Lewy bodies, in the neurons of affected brain regions. As we previously reviewed, misfolded α-synuclein spreads in a prion-like fashion to different brain regions, giving rise to successive non-motor and motor symptoms [2]. Olfactory impairment precedes the onset of motor symptoms by years [4] and can be used to predict the occurrence of PD in asymptomatic individuals and to differentiate PD from other neurologic disorders [5]
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