Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate ameliorates rotenone-induced Parkinson’s disease in rats

The Versatility in the Applications of Dithiocarbamates

Dithiocarbamate ligands have the ability to form stable complexes with transition metals, and this chelating ability has been utilized in numerous applications. The complexes have also been used to synthesize other useful compounds. Here, the up-to-date applications of dithiocarbamate ligands and complexes are extensively discussed. Some of these are their use as enzyme inhibitor and treatment of HIV and other diseases. The application as anticancer, antimicrobial, medical imaging and anti-inflammatory agents is examined. Moreover, the application in the industry as vulcanization accelerator, froth flotation collector, antifouling, coatings, lubricant additives and sensors is discussed. The various ways in which they have been employed in synthesis of other compounds are highlighted. Finally, the agricultural uses and remediation of heavy metals via dithiocarbamate compounds are comprehensively discussed.

Oral Supplements of <i>Ginkgo biloba</i> Extract Alleviate Neuroinflammation, Oxidative Impairments and Neurotoxicity in Rotenone-Induced Parkinsonian Rats

BACKGROUND

Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) is known to contain several bioactive compounds and exhibits free radical scavenging activity. Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons and is associated with oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and apoptosis.

OBJECTIVE

The current study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of GbE in a rat model of PD induced by rotenone (ROT; a neurotoxin).

METHODS

Twenty-four male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups of six rats each: normal control, GbE treated, toxin control (ROT treated) and GbE+ROT group.

RESULTS

Oral administration of ROT (2.5 mg/kg b.w.) for 50 days caused an increased generation of lipid peroxidation products and significant depletion of reduced glutathione, total thiol content and activities of enzymatic antioxidants, i.e., superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the brains of treated rats. Furthermore, ROT caused an elevation in acetylcholinesterase, interleukin-1β, interleukin- 6 and tumor necrosis factor-α and a significant reduction in dopamine in the stratum and substantia nigra. Immunohistochemical results illustrated that ROT treatment reduced the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). GbE treatment (150 mg/kg b.w./day) significantly reduced the elevated oxidative stress markers and proinflammatory cytokines and restored the reduced antioxidant enzyme activities, DA level and TH expression. These results were confirmed by histological observations that clearly indicated a neuroprotective effect of GbE against ROT-induced PD.

CONCLUSION

GbE mitigated ROT-induced PD via the inhibition of free-radical production, scavenging of ROS, and antioxidant enhancement.

[The efficacy of tes-therapy for treatment of anxiety-like behavior and motor disorders in rats with an experimental model of parkinsonism]

AIM

To assess the efficacy of transcranial electrostimulation TES for treatmnet of anxiety-like behavior and motor disorders in rats with rotenone-induced parkinsonism.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was performed on 30 mature male-rats. Animals were divided into following groups: control, intact rats (group 1); rats with an experimental model of parkinsonism without treatment (group 2); rats with an experimental model of parkinsonism, which had 7 sessions of TES-therapy (group 3), the number of rats in each group was 10. The parkinsonism model was achieved by daily rotenone administration for 28 days. Parkinsonism's markers were assessed using 3-point scale; anxiety-like behavior and motor activity were assessed in the open-field test. TES was performed using TRANSAIR-stimulator for 7 days. Substantia nigra slices were stained with hematoxylin and Lillie's staining for neuromelanin.

RESULTS

The rats of group 3 show less neurological deficits, less anxiety-like behavior and less neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra. There are a decrease in individual total scores of motor disorders by 50%, a decrease in the level of anxiety-like behavior or the absence of its increase in the open-field test.

CONCLUSION

TES-therapy may be used as an additional non-pharmacological treatment of motor and related non-motor damage in Parkinson's disease.