Title : Study of the neuroprotective effect of Apocynin against PQ-induced Parkinsonism.
Abstract:
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and presence of intra- cytoplasmic inclusion bodies known as lewy body containing α- synuclein aggregate . The cause of dopaminergic neuronal loss in PD remains unknown for a long time, however, recent studies report that oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis of PD. Paraquat (PQ), a widely used herbicide is an oxidative stress inducer that has been implicated as a potential risk factor for the development of PD. Pharmacological approaches targeting antioxidant machinery may have therapeutic value against PD. Flavonoids are naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds that display a variety of therapeutic properties against oxidative stress. Apocynin (4-hydroxy-3- methoxyacetophenone) is a natural flavonoid obtained from medicinal plant Picrorhiza kurroa that exhibits neuroprotection against PD-related pathology. However, studies on its neuroprotective role and the underlying mechanisms are scarce, therefore the proposed study will explore the potential neuroprotective role of Apocynin associated with PQ induced- Parkinsonism. As a part of preliminary study we have developed PQ-induced Parkinsonism model in adult Wistar rats. We performed motor coordination related behavioral experiments and histopathological studies in order to validate the establishment of PQ-induced Parkinsonism. In future, we will be assessing the neuroprotective effect of Apocynin in the developed model of Parkinsonism.
