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Investigating the effects of frankincense on BDNF gene expression in striatum tissues in a paraquat-induced Parkinson animal model
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Mohammad Amin Sharajpour   , Sedigheh Khanjani Jelodar *  , Akbar Hajizadeh Moghaddam , Hakimeh Gavzan , Mohammad Amin Mashayekhpour , Sakine Shalikar |
| Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran |
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Abstract: (53 Views) |
Background and Aim: Parkinson's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders, caused by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Frankincense (Boswellia resin) is an aromatic resin derived from species of the Burseraceae family, which has attracted attention for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of action of frankincense in a paraquat-induced Parkinson's model, focusing on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
Methods: To induce Parkinson's disease in mice, paraquat (PQ) was administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg (intraperitoneal injection, twice a week for three weeks). Animals were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6): (1) control, (2) PQ, (3) PQ + frankincense (20 mg/kg), and (4) PQ + frankincense (50 mg/kg). Motor function was assessed using the rotarod test (speed of 20 rpm). Additionally, BDNF gene expression in the striatum was measured using qRT-PCR.
Results: The results showed that paraquat administration significantly impaired motor coordination (p < 0.001) and reduced BDNF gene expression (p <0.001). In contrast, treatment with frankincense at both doses significantly improved motor performance (p < 0.001) and increased BDNF expression (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings of this study indicate that frankincense can improve motor function in the paraquat-induced Parkinson's model by increasing BDNF gene expression in the striatum and its neuroprotective effects. These results suggest that neurotrophic pathways, particularly BDNF, may serve as promising therapeutic targets for natural compound-based interventions in Parkinson's disease.
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| Keywords: Striatum, BDNF, Parkinson's disease, Frankincense, Paraquat |
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Full-Text [PDF 896 kb]
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Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
Neuroscience
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