MOLECULAR SCIENCES AND APPLICATIONS
Print ISSN: 2944-9138, E-ISSN: 2732-9992 An Open Access International Journal of Molecular Sciences and Applications
Volume 4, 2024
Capsaicin Protects Against Nigrostriatal Neurodegeneration Induced by Rotenone
Authors: , ,
Abstract: Capsaicin, the principal pungent ingredient of hot pepper exerts neuroprotective effects. In this study, the effect of capsaicin on rotenone-induced Parkinson’s disease in mice was investigated. Mice were given subcutaneous rotenone injections (1.5 mg/kg, every other day) and at the same time treated with the vehicle, L-dopa (25 mg/kg) or capsaicin at doses of 0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg orally once a day for two weeks. Biochemical indices of oxidative stress, malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione and nitric oxide were determined in brain tissue and histopathological study of the brain was done. Behavioral tests included stair, wire hanging and wood walking tests. Results showed that rotenone treatment led to significant increases in brain malondialdehyde and nitric oxide contents parallel with marked depletion of reduced glutathione. Rotenone induced degeneration of pigmented neurons in substantia nigra and of cerebral cortex and hippocampus neurons. Rotenone impaired neuromuscular strength, motor balance and coordination. Treatment with capsaicin significantly ameliorated the neuronal degeneration caused by rotenone and improved motor function. Capsaicin alleviated the increase in lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) and nitric oxide and prevented the depletion of reduced glutathione in brain of rotenone-treated animals. These data indicate that capsaicin protects against rotenone-induced neuronal damage and this involves decreased level of oxidative stress. Capsaicin therefore might prevent cell death in the brain of Parkinson’s disease patients.
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Pages: 125-134
DOI: 10.37394/232023.2024.4.12