Protective effect of formononetin in chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) linked to parkinson disease

Formononetin [FMN] belongs to the member of class 7-hydroxyisoflavones possesses anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. However, its efficacy in chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) associated with Parkinson disease (PD) is not evaluated. In a current study the effect of FMN on CUS associated with PD was screened to examine efficacy using different behavioral, biochemical and immuno-histochemical evaluation. During the study, CUS associated with PD was induced in mice by administering rotenone followed by exposure to different mild stressors. Animals showing CUS linked to PD were included in the study and treated daily with FMN (5, 10 & 20 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal route. After the treatment, animals evaluated for behavioral, biochemical parameters and immunohistochemistry analysis. Treatment with FMN was effective in alleviating core symptoms of chronic stress linked to PD and improved cognitive function, gait abnormality and impairment in co-ordination of CUS + ROT model. FMN showed dose dependent reduction in IL- 1β, TNF- α, IL- 6 concentration. FMN increasing the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. Immunohistochemical study revealed that the expression of α-synuclein reduced which helps to improve CUS linked to Parkinson's. Furthermore, expression of BDNF and BCL-2 found to be improved after FMN treatment and helps in elevation of dopamine levels thereby surviving neuronal system. Study findings revealed that formononetin is effective in the treatment of chronic unpredictable stress linked to Parkinson's, however further clinical investigation is required to evaluate its effect in human.