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Plasmalogen precursor mitigates striatal dopamine loss in MPTP mice
Edith Miville-Godbout1, Mélanie Bourque1, Marc Morissette2
1Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, CHUL, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Quebec City, Qc G1V 4G2, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, 1050, Avenue de la Médecine, Quebec City, Qc G1V 0A6, Canada.
Brain Research
|August 24, 2017
Summary
Oleic acid-containing plasmalogen precursors show neuroprotective effects against Parkinson's disease models. These findings suggest plasmalogens, not just DHA, may offer protection by preserving dopamine levels and transporters.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ethanolamine plasmalogens (PlsEtn) are vital membrane components.
- Reduced PlsEtn levels are linked to Parkinson's disease (PD).
- Previous studies indicated DHA-plasmalogen precursors offer neuroprotection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuroprotective specificity of oleic acid-containing plasmalogen precursors (PPI-1025) in a Parkinson's disease mouse model.
- To determine if the neuroprotective effects are specific to the lipid side chains of plasmalogens.
Main Methods:
- Male mice were administered varying doses of PPI-1025 orally for 10 days.
- MPTP neurotoxin was administered on day 5.
- Striatal dopamine, serotonin, DAT, and VMAT2 levels were analyzed post-sacrifice.
Main Results:
- PPI-1025 treatment prevented MPTP-induced decreases in dopamine, serotonin, DAT, and VMAT2.
- Neuroprotection showed a bell-curve dose-dependency, with reduced efficacy at the highest dose.
- Positive correlations were observed between dopamine levels, transporter binding, and serum plasmalogen concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Oleic acid-containing plasmalogen precursors demonstrate neuroprotective effects in a PD model.
- Neuroprotection appears to involve the plasmalogen backbone and oleic acid, not solely DHA.
- Plasmalogens represent a potential therapeutic avenue for Parkinson's disease.
