Ferulic acid pretreatment mitigates MPTP-induced motor impairment and histopathological alterations in C57BL/6 mice.

CONTEXT: Ferulic acid (FA) is a potent ubiquitous plant antioxidant found in cereals such as brown rice, whole wheat, and oats. Phytochemical-based antioxidants are shown to be effective in neurodegenerative diseases. This study hypothesizes that supplementation of FA might combat oxidative stress-induced Parkinson's disease (PD).

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of FA on 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine hydrochloride (MPTP)-induced neurotoxicity.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Mice were randomized into five groups: Group I mice served as control. Group II mice received 5 × MPTP [25 mg/kg body weight (i.p.)] in saline 24 h apart starting from the 3rd day and continued till the last day of the experimental period of 7 d. In addition to MPTP injections, mice in Groups III, IV, and V were given FA at a dose of 20, 40, and 80 mg, respectively, for 7 d. Mice were subjected to a battery of behavioral tests along with histological investigations.

RESULTS

Our histological findings revealed that MPTP administration enhanced Bax/Bcl2 ratio and microglial cells activation reflecting induction of apoptosis and inflammation, respectively. This dopaminergic neuronal loss caused impairment in motor balance and coordination in MPTP mice as assessed by various behavioral tests. FA at a dose of 40 mg/kg/d body weight effectively attenuated MPTP-induced neurotoxicity.

DISCUSSION: Antioxidant, free-radical quenching, and anti-inflammatory activities of FA could contribute to its neuroprotective effect.

CONCLUSION

This study provides elementary evidence for the neuroprotective action of FA against MPTP-induced PD in mice and warrants further studies.