Copper Mitigates Atrazine-Induced Neurotoxicity in Parkinson's Disease Models

Atrazine (ATR), one of the most prevalent herbicides used worldwide, has been associated with various environmental health concerns, including its potential role in promoting neurodegenerative diseases. Considering the pivotal role of metal homeostasis in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders, this study investigated the neuroprotective effects of copper supplementation in mitigating the adverse impacts of ATR in Parkinson's disease (PD). Our results reveal that ATR exposure disrupts copper and iron homeostasis within the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), leading to enhanced oxidative stress and dopaminergic neuronal degeneration, which are key features of PD pathology. Remarkably, copper supplementation is able to counteract these neurotoxic effects, as demonstrated by the restoration of metal equilibrium in the SNpc, decreased lipid peroxidation, and improvements in motor function in PD rats. These results highlight the intricate relationship between environmental toxins and metal homeostasis in the genesis of neurodegenerative diseases.