Indian Researchers Discover Melatonin as a Potential Treatment for Parkinson's Disease
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New Delhi, Jan 2 (NationPress) Researchers from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) Mohali, an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have established that a nano-formulation of melatonin—the hormone produced by the brain in response to darkness—could serve as a therapeutic option for Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most prevalent neurological disorders, primarily resulting from the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain due to the aggregation of synuclein protein.
Current treatments are limited to alleviating symptoms without offering a cure, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced therapeutic strategies for this condition.
Earlier research has indicated the role of genes associated with Parkinson's in regulating a quality control process known as Mitophagy. This process is essential for identifying and eliminating dysfunctional mitochondria while reducing oxidative stress.
Research suggests that melatonin, commonly used for treating insomnia, could act as a potential inducer of mitophagy to help alleviate symptoms of Parkinson's.
To uncover the molecular mechanisms by which melatonin regulates oxidative stress, the team from INST Mohali utilized a human serum albumin nano-formulation to deliver the drug directly to the brain.
Under the guidance of Dr. Surajit Karmakar, the team employed a biocompatible protein (HSA) as a nanocarrier for melatonin delivery. Their findings indicated that nano-melatonin facilitated a sustained release of the hormone and enhanced its bioavailability.
Additionally, nano-melatonin demonstrated improved antioxidative and neuroprotective effects. It not only enhanced mitophagy to eliminate unhealthy mitochondria but also promoted mitochondrial biogenesis to counteract pesticide (rotenone) induced toxicity in an in vitro model of Parkinson's.
The observed improvements are attributed to the sustained release of melatonin and its targeted delivery to the brain, resulting in a higher therapeutic efficacy compared to conventional melatonin.
The increased antioxidative benefits stem from mitophagy induction through the upregulation of a vital epigenetic regulator known as BMI1, which governs gene expression. This reduction in oxidative stress plays a crucial role in alleviating symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease.
Their findings, published in the journal ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, underscored the significantly enhanced in vitro and in vivo neuroprotective effects of nano-melatonin, as well as the molecular and cellular dynamics it influences to regulate mitophagy.
