Parkinson’s disease is described as a neurodegenerative disease resulting from the loss of neurons that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in controlling movement and cognitive function. With the aging population worldwide, the number of Parkinson’s patients is increasing rapidly. Only symptomatic treatment is available for this disease, so the development of therapeutic regimens and preventive methods is essential.
reactive oxygen species
Parkinson’s disease is caused by damage to neurons caused by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Suppressing the generation of reactive oxygen species is essential because they are lethal to dopaminergic neurons that manage dopamine neurotransmitters. Natural antioxidants play a crucial role by removing or preventing the formation of reactive oxygen species.
Fortunately, Associate Professor Akiko Kojima Yusa from the Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences at Osaka Metropolitan University in Japan led a research team that investigated the physiological effect of antioxidants extracted from the algae Ecklonia cava on the prevention of Parkinson’s disease.
Protecting laboratory mice from Parkinson’s disease
Two types of motor function tests were performed in this study, using mouse models of Parkinson’s disease that were fed antioxidants orally daily for a week, and then given rotenone.
Rotenone is a substance obtained from the roots of tropical legumes, and is widely used as a pesticide and insecticide. Its mechanism of action involves disrupting cells, leading to increased production of reactive oxygen species.
The results showed that motor function, which had been reduced by rotenone, was restored. There was also improvement in bowel motor function and the structure of the colonic mucosa, a special tissue that covers the colon.
Cell protection
Cell experiments using Parkinson’s disease model cells confirmed the biochemical interaction of the protective effect of Ecklonia cava extract. The research results showed that antioxidants activate the energy-sensitive enzyme adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) within the cell, and inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species that cause neuronal cell death.
“This study suggests that antioxidants extracted from Ecklonia cava may reduce neuronal damage by activating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibiting the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species,” Professor Kojima Yusa said, according to EurekAlert. “It is hoped that Ecklonia cava may be an effective ingredient in preventing Parkinson’s disease.”