Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles with Nigella sativa: A Multifaceted Approach against Parkinson's Disease in...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience and Pharmacology
• Nanomedicine
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with limited treatment options as levodopa efficacy wanes.
• Existing treatments do not halt disease progression, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
• Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Nigella sativa (NS-AgNPs) offers potential pharmacological benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the therapeutic and neuroprotective effects of NS-AgNPs in a rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease rat model.
• To investigate the impact of NS-AgNPs on histological, behavioral, α-synuclein aggregation, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter levels, apoptosis, and specific microRNAs (miR-34c and miR-124).

Main Methods:

• A Parkinson's disease-like model was established in rats via daily rotenone injections for 30 days.
• Treatment groups included NS-AgNPs, Sinemet, and simultaneous rotenone and NS-AgNPs administration.
• Evaluations encompassed histological analysis, behavioral tests, α-synuclein levels, oxidative stress markers, neurotransmitter assays, apoptosis markers, and microRNA expression analysis.

Main Results:

• Rotenone-induced PD model rats exhibited disrupted striatal architecture, increased α-synuclein aggregation, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and reduced neurotransmission and microRNA levels.
• Sinemet treatment showed moderate improvements in histology, behavior, neurotransmission, and oxidative stress.
• NS-AgNPs significantly ameliorated PD-like symptoms, modulated miR-34a and miR-124, increased dopamine, reduced α-synuclein aggregation, inhibited microglial activation and apoptosis, decreased oxidative stress, and upregulated VMAT2, with no observed adverse effects.

Conclusions:

• NS-AgNPs demonstrate significant therapeutic and neuroprotective potential against Parkinson's disease progression.
• The mechanism involves modulating key PD pathways, including microRNA expression, dopamine levels, α-synuclein aggregation, and oxidative stress.
• NS-AgNPs represent a promising, safe, and effective alternative agent for Parkinson's disease management.