Benefits of betanin in rotenone-induced Parkinson mice

Wachiryah Thong-Asa1, Sujira Jedsadavitayakol2, Suchawalee Jutarattananon2

  • 1Animal Toxicology and Physiology Specialty Research Unit (ATPSRU), Physiology Division, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan road, Jatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand. fsciwyth@ku.ac.th.

Metabolic Brain Disease
|August 26, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Betanin demonstrated significant neuroprotective effects in a mouse model of Parkinson disease. This natural compound reduced motor deficits and neurodegeneration by combating oxidative stress.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Parkinson disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor dysfunction and neuronal loss.
  • Rotenone is a pesticide that induces Parkinson-like symptoms in animal models.
  • Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the neuroprotective potential of betanin against rotenone-induced Parkinsonism in mice.
  • To evaluate the effects of betanin on motor function, neurodegeneration, and oxidative stress markers.

Main Methods:

  • Male ICR mice were administered rotenone to induce Parkinson-like symptoms.
  • Mice were treated with varying doses of betanin (100 and 200 mg/kg).
  • Motor function was assessed using hanging wire and rotarod tests.
  • Brain tissue analysis included evaluation of oxidative stress markers and neuronal degeneration, along with tyrosine hydroxylase density.

Main Results:

  • Rotenone administration significantly impaired motor function and caused neuronal degeneration in the motor cortex, striatum, and substantia nigra.
  • Betanin treatment dose-dependently ameliorated motor deficits and reduced neuronal degeneration.
  • Betanin treatment significantly attenuated oxidative stress by reducing malondialdehyde and increasing glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase levels.
  • Tyrosine hydroxylase density in the striatum and substantia nigra was preserved in betanin-treated groups.

Conclusions:

  • Betanin exhibits significant neuroprotective effects against rotenone-induced Parkinsonism in mice.
  • The neuroprotective benefits of betanin are attributed to its potent antioxidant properties.
  • Betanin holds promise as a therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson disease.