The possible role of cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles in prevention of neurobehavioral and neurochemical changes in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced parkinsonian disease

Abstract

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2NPs) is an efficient neuroprotective agent and showed promising effects in some neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis. However, the implication of CeO2NPs in Parkinsonism remains to be investigated.The aim of this study was to assess the possible role of CeO2NPs as a neuroprotective agent against the development of behavioral and biochemical changes in rat model of Parkinson’s disease. Thirty rats were included and received left intrastriatal injection of either saline (controls, n=10) or 6-hydroxy dopamine (6-OHDA) in untreated group (n=10) and 10 rats were received intraperitoneal injection of low dose CeO2NPs two hours before surgery, and continued once daily for 6 weeks (preventive group). At the end of experimental period, rats were subjected to behavioral assessment and then killed for biochemical analysis of striatal dopamine levels, oxidative stress markers and caspase-3 activity. Results showed that CeO2NPs resulted in partial neuroprotection against disturbances in motor performance. It also partially decreased apoptosis and oxidative stress in preventive group, while it failed to increase striatal dopamine level as compared to untreated rats. The present study verified some neuroprotective effects of CeO2NPs in 6-OHDA-induced Parkinsonian rats through their antioxidant and anti apoptotic effects. Some of these effects persisted till the end of six weeks whereas others declined after three weeks. A larger dose may be needed to produce more valuable effects and to maintain protection for a longer period.