| Autor: |
Setzu MD; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy., Mocci I; Unit of Cagliari, CNR-Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Pula, 09050 Cagliari, Italy., Fabbri D; Unit of Sassari, CNR-Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, 07100 Sassari, Italy., Carta P; Unit of Sassari, CNR-Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, 07100 Sassari, Italy., Muroni P; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy., Diana A; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy., Dettori MA; Unit of Sassari, CNR-Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, 07100 Sassari, Italy., Casu MA; Unit of Cagliari, CNR-Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Pula, 09050 Cagliari, Italy. |
| Abstrakt: |
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons responsible for unintended or uncontrollable movements. Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 locus contribute to genetic forms of PD. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster carrying this mutation (LRRK2-Dm) is an in vivo model of PD that develops motor impairment and stands for an eligible non-mammalian paradigm to test novel therapeutic approaches. Dehydrozingerone (DHZ) is a natural phenolic compound isolated from ginger and presents anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, making it a potential therapeutic target for PD. We administered DHZ and its C 2 -symmetric dimer (DHZ-DIM) at 0.5 and 1 mM for 14 and 21 days in the LRRK2-Dm, with the aim of assessing changes in rescuing motor behavior, brain dopaminergic neurons, mitochondria and synapses (T-bars). The shorter treatment with both molecules revealed efficacy at the higher dose, improving climbing behavior with a prevention of dopaminergic neuronal demise. After 21 days, a recovery of the motor disability, dopaminergic neuron loss, mitochondrial damage and T-bars failure was observed with the DHZ-DIM. Our data indicate that the DHZ-DIM exerts a more potent neuroprotective effect with respect to the monomer in LRRK2-Dm, prompting further investigation of these compounds in rodent models of PD. |
