7-chloro-4-(phenylselanyl) quinoline prevents dopamine depletion in a Drosophila melanogaster model of Parkinson's-like disease

Selenium-containing compounds: a new hope for innovative treatments in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease

Neurodegenerative diseases are challenging to cure. To date, no cure has been found for Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease, and current treatments are able only to slow the progression of the diseases and manage their symptoms. After an introduction to the complex biology of these diseases, we discuss the beneficial effect of selenium-containing agents, which show neuroprotective effects in vitro or in vivo. Indeed, selenium is an essential trace element that is being incorporated into innovative organoselenium compounds, which can improve outcomes in rodent or even primate models with neurological deficits. Herein, we critically discuss recent findings in the field of selenium-based applications in neurological disorders.

The Amazonian Camu-Camu Fruit Modulates the Development of Drosophila melanogaster and the Neural Function of Adult Flies under Oxidative Stress Conditions

Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) is known for its antioxidant properties, although little is known about its developmental safety effects, particularly on adult neural function under basal redox and oxidative stress conditions. Therefore, this study sought to address this gap by conducting three complementary protocols using Drosophila melanogaster to investigate these effects. The initial assays revealed that second-stage larvae consumed diets supplemented with various concentrations of camu-camu uniformly, establishing a 50% lethal concentration at 4.799 mg/mL. Hence, non-lethal (0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/mL) and sub-lethal (5 and 10 mg/mL) concentrations were then chosen to evaluate the effects of camu-camu on preimaginal development and adult neural function. Our observations showed that camu-camu impacts the expression of antioxidant enzymes, reactive species, and lipoperoxidation. Notably, sub-lethal concentrations decreased preimaginal viability and locomotor activity, negatively influenced geotaxis and acetylcholinesterase activity, and increased reactive species, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase activity in flies. Additionally, the protective effects of camu-camu against oxidative stress induced by iron (20 mM) were assessed. Flies supplemented with 0.5 mg/mL of camu-camu during the larval period showed improved neural viability and function, and this supplementation was found to protect against oxidative stress. These findings are instrumental in evaluating the safety and efficacy of commercial supplements based on camu-camu, offering significant insights for future research and application.

Exploring the Efficient Natural Products for the Therapy of Parkinson's Disease via Drosophila Melanogaster (Fruit Fly) Models

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a severe neurodegenerative disorder, partly attributed to mutations, environmental toxins, oxidative stress, abnormal protein aggregation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the precise pathogenesis of PD and its treatment strategy still require investigation. Fortunately, natural products have demonstrated potential as therapeutic agents for alleviating PD symptoms due to their neuroprotective properties. To identify promising lead compounds from herbal medicines' natural products for PD management and understand their modes of action, suitable animal models are necessary. Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) serves as an essential model for studying genetic and cellular pathways in complex biological processes. Diverse Drosophila PD models have been extensively utilized in PD research, particularly for discovering neuroprotective natural products. This review emphasizes the research progress of natural products in PD using the fruit fly PD model, offering valuable insights into utilizing invertebrate models for developing novel anti-PD drugs.

Evaluation of oxidative stress indicators as toxicity parameters after chronic exposure of Drosophila melanogaster to free curcumin and curcumin-loaded nanocapsules

We investigated a possible toxic effect induced by chronic exposure to free curcumin and curcumin-loaded nanocapsules in Drosophila melanogaster, enabling safe applications. Flies of both sexes were divided into groups: control group; free curcumin at concentrations of 10, 30, 100, 300, 900, and 3000 μM; curcumin-loaded nanocapsules at concentrations of 10, 30, 100, and 300 μM. Initially, the diet consumption test was evaluated in flies exposed to different concentrations. During the 10-day treatment, the flies were evaluated for percentage survival. After the treatment, behaviors (geotaxis negative and open field), acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE), and oxidative stress parameters (reactive species (RS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels, Glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes activity, erythroid-derived nuclear factor 2 (Nrf2) immunoreactivity, and cellular metabolic capacity, were assessed. No significant difference in diet consumption, indicating that the flies equally consumed the different concentrations of free curcumin and the curcumin-loaded nanocapsules. Was observed that free curcumin and curcumin-loaded nanocapsules increased survival, locomotor and exploratory performance, decreased AChE activity, RS and TBARS levels, increased GST, SOD and CAT activity, Nrf2 and viable cells compared to the control. The chronic treatment did not cause toxicity, suggesting that nanoencapsulation of curcumin could be explored.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis and Antioxidant Activity of Low Molecular Mass Organoselenium Molecules

Selenium is an essential trace element in living organisms, and is present in selenoenzymes with antioxidant activity, like glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR). The search for small selenium-containing molecules that mimic selenoenzymes is a strong field of research in organic and medicinal chemistry. In this review, we review the synthesis and bioassays of new and known organoselenium compounds with antioxidant activity, covering the last five years. A detailed description of the synthetic procedures and the performed in vitro and in vivo bioassays is presented, highlighting the most active compounds in each series.

Kaempferol counteracts toxicity induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine in D. melanogaster: An implication of its mitoprotective activity

The current study aimed to investigate whether kaempferol (KMP), the major bioactive component of green leafy vegetables, could counteract the toxicity elicited by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in Drosophila melanogaster or not. First, we performed a dose-response curve, where adult wild-type flies were fed on diet-containing different concentrations of KMP throughout their lifespan. Afterward, flies were fed on a diet containing MPTP (500 μM) and KMP (20 and 40 μM) for 7 days. The MPTP- fed flies presented a higher mortality rate, lower emergence rate, locomotor deficits, and disruption in circadian rhythm when compared to the control. MPTP exposure induced severe oxidative stress, which was marked by reduction in thiol content, overproduction of reactive species, lipid and protein oxidation, and disruption of enzymes of antioxidant and neurotransmission pathways. MPTP also compromised the mitochondrial dynamics and respiration of flies, affecting the electron transport chain, oxidative phosphorylation, and fusion/fission processes. Besides extending per se the lifespan of flies, KMP counteracted the toxic effects of MPTP on the circadian cycle, survival, climbing, and hatching rates. KMP was also effective in restoring the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes, as well as in normalizing the levels of all oxidant/antioxidant markers disrupted in MPTP-fed flies. Indeed, KMP reestablished the mitochondrial functionality in MPTP- fed flies, restoring the electron transport system linked to mitochondrial complex I and II, and rescuing the mRNA transcription of genes associated with mitochondrial fusion and fission, namely OPA-1 (Optic atrophy 1) and DRP-1 (Dynamin related protein 1). Our results showed the efficacy of KMP in hindering the toxicity induced by MPTP in D. melanogaster and suggest that the mitoprotective action of flavonoid may be boosting its anti-parkinsonism activity in the model. Besides, the study showed that wild-type strains of D. melanogaster proved to be reproducible in vivo model to mimic parkinsonian phenotypes through exposure to the neurotoxin MPTP.

Nutritional Quality, Techno-Functional Characteristics, and Safety of Biomass Powder and Protein Isolate Produced from Penicillium maximae

This study investigated the suitability of Penicillium maximae biomass powder and protein isolate as a food product or food ingredient. The biomass powder is rich in proteins (34.8%) and insoluble fiber (36.2%) but poor in lipids (3.1%). Strong water hydration (8.3 g/g, 8.5 g/g) and oil holding (6.9 g/g, 16.3 g/g) capacity were observed in the biomass powder and protein isolate, respectively, besides 100% emulsion stability, indicating multiple applications in the food industry. No locomotor impairment was induced in Drosophila melanogaster flies after consuming extracts of P. maximae biomass powder. Furthermore, decreased production of reactive oxygen species and preservation of survival, viability, and fertility parameters were observed in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, which reinforces the potential of P. maximae biomass for human and animal consumption. Together, the results show the vast food applicability of P. maximae biomass and protein isolate as protein substitutes with several health and environmental benefits.

Mitigation Effects of Selenium Nanoparticles on Depression-Like Behavior Induced by Fluoride in Mice via the JAK2-STAT3 Pathway

Depression is a mental health problem with typically high levels of distress and dysfunction, and 150 mg/L fluoride (F) can induce depression-like behavior. The development of depression is correlated with neuronal atrophy, insufficient secretion of monoamine neurotransmitters, extreme deviations from the normal microglial activation status, and immune-inflammatory response. Studies found that Se supplementation was related to the improvement of depression. In this study, we applied selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) for F-induced depression disease mitigation by regulating the histopathology, metabolic index, genes, and protein expression related to the JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway in vivo. Results showed that F and 2 mg Se/kg BW/day SeNPs lowered the dopamine (DA) content (P < 0.05), altered the microglial morphology, ramification index as well as solidity, and triggered the microglial neuroinflammatory response by increasing the p-STAT3 nuclear translocation (P < 0.01). Furthermore, F reduced the cortical Se content and the number of surviving neurons (P < 0.05), increasing the protein expressions of p-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3 of the cortex (P < 0.01), accompanied by the depression-like behavior. Importantly, 1 mg Se/kg BW/day SeNPs alleviated the microglial ramification index as well as solidity changes and decreased the interleukin-1β secretion induced by F by suppressing the p-STAT3 nuclear translocation (P < 0.01). Likewise, 1 mg Se/kg BW/day SeNPs restored the F-disturbed dopamine and noradrenaline secretion, increased the number of cortical surviving neurons, and reduced the vacuolation area, ultimately suppressing the occurrence of depression-like behavior through inhibiting the JAK2-STAT3 pathway activation. In conclusion, 1 mg Se/kg BW/day SeNPs have mitigation effects on the F-induced depression-like behavior. The mechanism of how SeNPs repair neural functions will benefit depression mitigation. This study also indicates that inhibiting the JAK/STAT pathway can be a promising novel treatment for depressive disorders.

Interface of Aging and Acute Peripheral Neuropathy Induced by Oxaliplatin in Mice: Target-Directed Approaches for Na+, K+-ATPase, Oxidative Stress, and 7-Chloro-4-(phenylselanyl) quinoline Therapy

Almost 90% of patients develop pain immediately after oxaliplatin (OXA) treatment. Here, the impact of aging on OXA-induced acute peripheral neuropathy and the potential of 7-chloro-4-(phenylselanyl) quinoline (4-PSQ) as a new therapeutic strategy were evaluated. In Swiss mice, the oxidative damage and its influence on Mg²⁺-ATPase and Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activities were investigated. The relationship between the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrate and nitrite (NOx) levels, the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) with the development of OXA-induced acute peripheral neuropathy was also studied. In this study, it was evidenced that OXA-induced acute peripheral neuropathy was exacerbated by aging through increased oxidative damage as well as Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase, and Mg⁺²-ATPase inhibition. 4-PSQ reversed hypersensitivity induced by OXA and aging-aggravated by reducing ROS and NOx levels, through modulation of GPx and SOD activities. 4-PSQ partially reestablish Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity, but not Mg ²⁺-ATPase activity. Locomotor and exploratory activities were not affected. This study is the first of its kind, providing new insight into the aging impact on mechanisms involved in OXA-induced acute peripheral neuropathy. Also, it provides evidence on promising 4-PSQ effects on this condition, mainly on aging.

Effectiveness of 7-chloro-4-(phenylselanyl) quinoline in improving learning, short-term memory, and anxiety-like behaviors in a mimetic model of Parkinson's disease in Drosophila melanogaster

The potential of 4-PSQ on psychomotor and non-motor behaviors of PD, such as spontaneous locomotor activity, learning, memory, and anxiety.

Rodrigues K, Pinz MP, Biondi JV, Becker NP, Blodorn E, Domingues WB, Larroza A, Campos VF, Alves D, Wilhelm EA, Luchese C. Prospecting for a quinoline containing selenium for comorbidities depression and memory impairment induced by restriction stress in mice

RATIONALE

Depression is often associated with memory impairment, a clinical feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but no effective treatment is available. 7-Chloro-4-(phenylselanyl) quinoline (4-PSQ) has been studied in experimental models of diseases that affect the central nervous system.

OBJECTIVES

The pharmacological activity of 4-PSQ in depressive-like behavior associated with memory impairment induced by acute restraint stress (ARS) in male Swiss mice was evaluated.

METHODS

ARS is an unavoidable stress model that was applied for a period of 240 min. Ten minutes after ARS, animals were intragastrically treated with canola oil (10 ml/kg) or 4-PSQ (10 mg/kg) or positive controls (paroxetine or donepezil) (10 mg/kg). Then, after 30 min, mice were submitted to behavioral tests. Corticosterone levels were evaluated in plasma and oxidative stress parameters; monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A and MAO -B isoform activity; mRNA expression levels of kappa nuclear factor B (NF-κB); interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, and IL-33; phosphatidylinositol-se-kinase (PI3K); protein kinase B (AKT2), as well as acetylcholinesterase activity were evaluated in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.

RESULTS

4-PSQ attenuated the depressive-like behavior, self-care, and memory impairment caused by ARS. Based on the evidence, we believe that effects of 4-PSQ may be associated, at least in part, with the attenuation of HPA axis activation, attenuation of alterations in the monoaminergic system, modulation of oxidative stress, reestablishment of AChE activity, modulation of the PI3K/AKT2 pathway, and reduction of neuroinflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that 4-PSQ exhibited an antidepressant-like effect and attenuated the memory impairment induced by ARS, and it is a promising molecule to treat these comorbidities.

4-Phenylselanyl-7-chloroquinoline attenuates hepatic injury triggered by neonatal exposure to monosodium glutamate in rats

AIMS

Obesity is associated with a spectrum of hepatic abnormalities that can be experimentally induced by injections of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in neonatal rodents. We investigated the protective actions of the repeated therapy with 4-phenylselenyl-7-chloroquinoline (4-PSQ), a quinoline derivative containing selenium, on damage to the liver triggered by early postnatal administration of MSG in male Wistar rats.

MAIN METHODS

Neonatal rats received MSG (4 g/kg, subcutaneous route) or saline (1 ml/kg) from 5 to 14 postnatal day (PND) to induce obesity with consequent damages in the liver. 4-PSQ treatment (5 mg/kg) or canola oil (1 ml/kg) was administered from 60 to 76 PND by the intragastric route. On 76 PND, animals were anesthetized for blood and liver collection. Plasma markers of hepatic function, hepatic lipoperoxidation levels and histology analysis of liver tissue were assessed.

KEY FINDINGS

Our data revealed that treatment with 4-PSQ reverted the increase in plasma transaminases activities observed in MSG rats. Treatment with 4-PSQ reduced plasma lactate levels in obese rats. In the liver, MSG elevated the content of lipoperoxidation which was reverted by 4-PSQ administrations. Lastly, 4-PSQ therapy attenuated the histological alterations induced by MSG.

SIGNIFICANCE

Together, the results indicate a hepatoprotective action of repeated treatment with 4-PSQ in obese rats.

Bisphenol A exposure during the embryonic period: Insights into dopamine relationship and behavioral disorders in Drosophila melanogaster

Environmental factors are involved in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders in addition to genetic factors. In this sense, we demonstrated here that the embryonic exposure of Drosophila melanogaster to Bisphenol A (BPA) 1 mM resulted in changes in development, behavior, and biochemical markers punctuated below. BPA did not alter the oviposition and viability of the eggs, however, it was evidenced a decrease in the rate of pupal eclosion and life span of the hatched flies of the generation filial 1 (F1). F1 flies also developed behavioral changes such as incompatibility in the social interaction between them, and hyperactivity demonstrated by increased locomotion in open field tests, increased grooming, and aggression episodes. Furthermore, decreases in dopamine levels and tyrosine hydroxylase activity have also been observed in flies' heads, possibly related to oxidative damage. Through analyzes of oxidative stress biomarkers, carried out on samples of flies' heads, we observed an increase in malondialdehyde and reactive species, decrease in the activity of the superoxide dismutase and catalase, which possibly culminated in the reduction of cell viability. Thus, it is important to emphasize that BPA developed atypical behaviors in Drosophila melanogaster, reinforce the importance of the environmental factor in the development of neurobehavioral diseases.

Iron overload during the embryonic period develops hyperactive like behavior and dysregulation of biogenic amines in Drosophila melanogaster

Iron (Fe) is used in various cellular functions, and a constant balance between its uptake, transport, storage, and use is necessary to maintain its homeostasis in the body. Changes in Fe metabolism with a consequent overload of this metal are related to neurological changes and cover a broad spectrum of diseases, mainly when these changes occur during the embryonic period. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of exposure to Fe overload during the embryonic period of Drosophila melanogaster. Progenitor flies (male and female) were exposed to ferrous sulfate (FeSO₄) for ten days in concentrations of 0.5, 1, and 5 ​mM. After mating and oviposition, the progenitors were removed and the treatment bottles preserved, and the number of daily hatches and cumulative hatching of the first filial generation (F1) were counted. Subsequently, F1 flies (separated by sex) were subjected to behavioral tests such as negative geotaxis test, open field test, grooming, and aggression test. They have evaluated the levels of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), octopamine (OA), tryptophan and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), acetylcholinesterase, reactive species, and the levels of Fe in the progenitor flies and F1. The Fe levels of F1 flies are directly proportional to what is incorporated during the period of embryonic development; we also observed a delay in hatching and a reduction in the number of the hatch of F1 flies exposed during the embryonic period to the 5mM Fe diet, a fact that may be related to the reduction of the cell viability of the ovarian tissue of progenitor flies. The flies exposed to Fe (1 and 5 ​mM) showed an increase in locomotor activity (hyperactivity) and a significantly higher number of repetitive movements. In addition to a high number of aggressive encounters when compared to control flies. We can also observe an increase in the levels of biogenic amines DA and 5-HT and an increase in TH activity in flies exposed to Fe (1 and 5 ​mM) compared to the control group. We conclude that the hyperactive-like behavior demonstrated in both sexes by F1 flies exposed to Fe may be associated with a dysregulation in the levels of DA and 5-HT since Fe is a cofactor of TH, which had its activity increased in this study. Therefore, more attention is needed during the embryonic development period for exposure to Fe overload.

Exposure to lutein-loaded nanoparticles attenuates Parkinson's model-induced damage in Drosophila melanogaster: Restoration of dopaminergic and cholinergic system and oxidative stress indicators

Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disease, characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons, cholinergic alterations and oxidative damages. Lutein is widely known by its antioxidants properties. In the present study, we investigated whether lutein-loaded nanoparticles protects against locomotor damage and neurotoxicity induced by Parkinson's disease model in Drosophila melanogaster, as well as possible mechanisms of action. First, the nanoparticles were characterized by physicochemical methods, demonstrating that water affinity was improved by the encapsulation of lutein into the polymeric encapsulant matrix. The fruit flies of 1-4 days old were divided into four groups and exposed to a standard diet (control), a diet containing either rotenone (500 μM), lutein-loaded nanoparticles (6 μM) or rotenone (500 μM) and lutein-loaded nanoparticles (6 μM) for 7 days. The survival percentage was assessed, the flies were submitted to negative geotaxis, open field tasks and the determination of dopamine levels, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and acetylcholinesterase activities and oxidative stress indicators (superoxide dismutase, catalase, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and glutathione S-transferase) were carried out. The exposure to lutein-loaded nanoparticles protected against locomotor damage and the decrease survival rate induced by rotenone, besides, it restored the dopamine levels, TH and acetylcholinesterase activities and oxidative stress indicators. These results provide evidence that lutein-loaded nanoparticles are an alternative treatment for rotenone-induced damage, and suggest the involvement of dopaminergic and cholinergic system and oxidative stress.

7-chloro-4-(phenylselanyl) quinoline co-treatment prevent oxidative stress in diabetic-like phenotype induced by hyperglycidic diet in Drosophila melanogaster

The goals of this work were to evaluate the effects produced by a hyperglycidic diet (HD) on Drosophila melanogaster and to verify the protective effect of 7-chloro-4-(phenylselanyl) quinoline (4-PSQ) on this model. Adult flies were divided into eight groups of 50 flies each: (1) RD, (regular diet) (2) RD + 4-PSQ (25 μM), (3) HD 5%, (4) HD 10%, (5) HD 30% (6) HD 5% + 4-PSQ (25 μM), (7) HD 10% + 4-PSQ (25 μM) and (8) HD 30% + 4-PSQ (25 μM). Flies were exposed to a diet containing sucrose and or 4-PSQ for ten days, according to each group. At the end of treatment survival rate, longevity, hatch rate, food intake, glucose and triglyceride levels, as well as, some markers of oxidative stress, such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, protein thiol (PSH) and non-protein levels (NPSH) and cell viability assays (Resazurin and MTT) were evaluated. It was observed that HD's consumption was associated with lower survival of the flies, lower longevity, and increased levels of glucose, triglycerides, TBARS and increased SOD activities and CAT activities. Treatment with 25 μM 4-PSQ increased the satiety of flies, increased survival, reduced glucose, triglyceride and TBARS levels, increased hatching, and normalized SOD and CAT activities. These results suggest that 25 μM 4-PSQ had a potential antioxidant effect and provided greater satiety by attenuating the effects of high HD consumption on this model.

Diet with Low Molecular Weight Chitosan exerts neuromodulation in Rotenone induced Drosophila model of Parkinson's disease

Rotenone (ROT) is well known pesticide been used in agriculture due to its low cost and rapid action. This has also been widely used to establish Parkinson's disease (PD) models in rodents. Here we have evaluated the role of well established potent molecule 'Low Molecular Weight Chitosan (LMWC)' against ROT induced neurotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. Male adult flies (8-10 days) were induced for neurotoxicity using ROT (500 μM) and treated with LMWC (5 & 10 mg/mL basal media) during 7 days experiment. Subsequently, neurodegenerative and behavioural parameters were assessed. As a result, flies exposed to ROT alone showed decreased locomotor behaviour in negative geotaxis and open-field studies and had a higher incidence of mortality compared to control group. These effects were accompanied by decrease in dopamine level, ETC complexes and increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cholinergic activities in head and body of the flies, suggesting ROT was able to induce oxidative stress. Co-exposure of LMWC reversed the ROT induced locomotor impairment, exploratory deficits and changes the biochemical parameters to normal level and increased the survival rate to 16 days. Thus, we suggested LMWC may be considered as better supplement in the prevention and management of Parkinson's disease.

Advances in the Understanding of Oxaliplatin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Mice: 7-Chloro-4-(Phenylselanyl) Quinoline as a Promising Therapeutic Agent

In this study, the deposition of platinum in oxaliplatin (OXA)-exposed mice and the effects of the oxidative damage on the central nervous system were investigated. The relationship between the reactive species (RS) levels as well as the expression and activity of enzymes, such as catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), in the development of peripheral neuropathy after OXA exposure, was evidenced. The effects of 7-chloro-4-(phenylselanyl) quinoline (4-PSQ) on OXA-induced peripheral neuropathy was also investigated. Swiss mice received OXA (10 mg kg^-1) or vehicle by intraperitoneal route (days 0 and 2). Oral administration of 4-PSQ (1 mg kg^-1) or vehicle was performed on days 2 to 14. Behavioural tasks started on day 9, after the first OXA administration. It was observed that 4-PSQ reduced the mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity induced by OXA. 4-PSQ and OXA did not affect locomotor and exploratory activities. The results revealed, for the first time, a high concentration of platinum in the spinal cord of mice exposed to OXA. 4-PSQ reversed the increased levels of RS in the spinal cord, cerebral cortex and hippocampus of mice exposed to OXA. The alterations in the activity and expression of the GPx, SOD, CAT and AChE induced by OXA exposure were normalized by 4-PSQ. Therefore, the 4-PSQ might be a good prototype for the development of a more effective drug for the treatment of OXA-induced peripheral neuropathy. The results obtained by the present study expanded the knowledge about the mechanisms involved in the physiopathology of peripheral neuropathy. Graphical abstract.

Dietary Antioxidants and Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the depletion of dopaminergic neurons in the basal ganglia, the movement center of the brain. Approximately 60,000 people are diagnosed with PD in the United States each year. Although the direct cause of PD can vary, accumulation of oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage due to increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or impaired intracellular antioxidant defenses invariably occurs at the cellular levels. Pharmaceuticals such as dopaminergic prodrugs and agonists can alleviate some of the symptoms of PD. Currently, however, there is no treatment to halt the progression of PD pathology. Due to the nature of PD, a long and progressive neurodegenerative process, strategies to prevent or delay PD pathology may be well suited to lifestyle changes like dietary modification with antioxidant-rich foods to improve intracellular redox homeostasis. In this review, we discuss cellular and genetic factors that increase oxidative stress in PD. We also discuss neuroprotective roles of dietary antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, selenium, and polyphenols along with their potential mechanisms to alleviate PD pathology.