Efeito de nanopartículas carregadas de β-caroteno sobre o modelo experimental de doença de Parkinson induzido por rotenona em Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is classified as a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease that induces motor and non-motor impairment. Oxidative stress is a factor that contributes to PD, therefore, antioxidants are a complement to the treatment of the disease. Carotenoids have been extensively investigated as chemopreventive agents, functioning as antioxidants in biological systems. β-carotene, a potent antioxidant, is one of the main carotenoids with pro-vitamin A activity. As β-carotene has a hydrophobic character, nanoencapsulation becomes a promising alternative to increase its solubility and absorption in water, protecting from degradation and improving bioavailability. The aim of the study was to investigate a possible neuroprotective effect of nanoparticles loaded with β-carotene on the behavioral and biochemical changes caused by the exposure of Drosophila melanogaster to rotenone. Flies of both sexes with 2 to 4 days of age were used, where we evaluated the response-concentration of free β-carotene and β- carotene-loaded nanoparticles, after 7 days of treatment the behavioral tests of geotaxy and open field were evaluated. Right after defining the concentration, that does not cause toxicity; we evaluated the effect of β-carotene-loaded nanoparticles in coexposure with rotenone for 7 days. The flies were divided into four groups: (control); (β-carotene-loaded nanoparticles 20 μM); (500 μM Rotenone) and (β-carotene-loaded nanoparticles 20 μM and 500 μM Rotenone). After exposure, the flies were evaluated for survival percentage, geotaxis, open field, aversive phototaxy and food consumption. AChE activity, oxidative stress and cell viability were also evaluated. Flies' exposure to β-carotene-loaded nanoparticles improved locomotor activity and survival, in addition to mitigating damage to AChE activity, reducing oxidative stress and increasing the antioxidant enzymes CAT and SOD. Thus, we conclude that β-carotene-loaded nanoparticles attenuate the damage and neurotoxicity caused by rotenone and that they can be used as an alternative adjuvant in the treatment of PD.