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Attenuation of rotenone-induced neurodegeneration by Bacillus coagulans supplementation in zebrafish

  • 0School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, India.
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Toxicology & Pharmacology : Cbp +

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October 16, 2025

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October 16, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Bacillus coagulans (PBT) probiotic supplementation shows promise in mitigating Parkinson's disease (PD) symptoms and neurodegeneration in a zebrafish model. PBT, alone or with L-dopa, rescued rotenone-induced behavioral and biochemical deficits.

Area Of Science

  • Neuroscience
  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology

Background

  • Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
  • Current treatments for PD have limitations.
  • Bacillus coagulans (PBT) possesses potential therapeutic properties.
  • The anti-PD effects of PBT have not been studied in a zebrafish model.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the anti-Parkinson's disease (PD) activity of Bacillus coagulans (PBT) in a rotenone-induced zebrafish model.
  • To evaluate the impact of PBT on neurobehavioral changes, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration associated with PD.

Main Methods

  • A 28-day study using zebrafish exposed to rotenone (ROT) to induce PD-like symptoms.
  • Treatment groups included control, ROT, ROT + L-dopa, ROT + PBT, PBT + L-dopa, and PBT.
  • Behavioral tests (novel tank test, light-dark test) were conducted.
  • Biomarkers including dopamine, alpha-synuclein, MAO-B, AChE, and nitrite were measured.
  • Brain histology was performed to assess neuronal damage.

Main Results

  • PBT, alone and with L-dopa, significantly attenuated rotenone-induced behavioral deficits.
  • PBT treatment restored altered antioxidant biomarker activity and dopamine levels.
  • PBT administration reduced aggregated alpha-synuclein levels and MAO-B activity.
  • Brain histology revealed PBT prevented rotenone-induced neuronal damage.

Conclusions

  • Chronic rotenone exposure induces neurobehavioral changes, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration in zebrafish.
  • Bacillus coagulans (PBT) supplementation effectively rescued these rotenone-induced effects.
  • PBT demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for Parkinson's disease, warranting further clinical investigation.

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