Fisetin Improved Rotenone-Induced Behavioral Deficits, Oxidative Changes, and Mitochondrial Dysfunctions in Rat Model

Kanakalatha Alikatte1, Suresh Palle2, Jadi Rajendra Kumar3

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, St. Peters Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Warangal, Telangana, India.

Insights

Fisetin treatment improved motor function and reversed Parkinson's disease (PD) symptoms in a rotenone-induced rat model. This natural compound may protect against PD by enhancing mitochondrial function.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Oxidative stress and mitochondrial complex-I inhibition are key in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis.
  • Rotenone is a commonly used agent to induce a PD model in rodents.
  • Fisetin is a natural flavonoid with potential antioxidant properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the therapeutic potential of fisetin in a rotenone-induced rat model of Parkinson's disease.
  • To evaluate the effects of fisetin on motor function, mitochondrial activity, oxidative stress markers, and neuroprotection.

Main Methods:

  • Parkinson's disease was induced in rats using rotenone administration.
  • Fisetin was administered orally at two different doses (10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg).
  • Behavioral tests (cylinder test), biochemical assays (TCA cycle enzymes, oxidative stress markers, complex-I activity), and histopathological examinations were performed.

Main Results:

  • Fisetin treatment significantly improved motor function and reduced motor asymmetry in the cylinder test.
  • Fisetin reversed rotenone-induced alterations in mitochondrial enzyme activity, striatal dopamine levels, and antioxidant status.
  • Histopathological changes associated with rotenone-induced PD were ameliorated by fisetin treatment in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions:

  • Fisetin demonstrates neuroprotective effects in the rotenone-induced rat model of Parkinson's disease.
  • The findings suggest that fisetin may exert its beneficial effects by improving mitochondrial enzyme activity and combating oxidative stress.
  • Fisetin holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for Parkinson's disease.