iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) Mohali, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, announced a groundbreaking targeted nano-formulation on Monday, January 27, that could provide a safer treatment option for Parkinson’s disease patients.
The new formulation facilitates the controlled release of 17beta-oestradiol, a hormone essential for managing Parkinson’s. Imbalances in 17beta-oestradiol (E2) in the brain are believed to contribute to neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders like Parkinson’s disease.
However, the use of E2 for treatment has been limited by peripheral side effects and a limited understanding of its molecular mechanisms.
The study, published in Carbohydrate Polymers, highlights the use of Dopamine Receptor D3 (DRD3) conjugated to 17beta-oestradiol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles. This innovative approach enabled the sustained release of E2 into the brain, offering a more targeted and effective treatment method.
The researchers found that the nano-formulation prevented the mitochondrial translocation of calpain, a protein that breaks down other proteins in response to calcium. This action helped protect neurons from rotenone-induced mitochondrial damage. In a rodent model, the nano-formulation also alleviated behavioral impairments associated with Parkinson’s.
For the first time, the study revealed that BMI1, a member of the PRC1 complex that regulates mitochondrial health, is a substrate for calpain. The nano-delivery system successfully restored BMI1 expression by inhibiting its degradation, potentially reducing oxidative stress in Parkinson’s patients.
“The study has helped in understanding the role of hormone (E2) in regulating oxidative stress in Parkinson’s patients. With the continued exploration of long-term safety profiles and better-targeted delivery, this can establish itself as a safer drug to improve the lives of Parkinson’s patients,” the researchers said,
Previously, INST researchers had also developed a nano-formulation of melatonin, a hormone produced by the brain in response to darkness, as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s. Despite the availability of medications to manage symptoms, no cure for Parkinson’s disease currently exists, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative treatment solutions.