Unlocking the potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles for Parkinson's disease treatment

Kim San Tang, Wesley Zhi Chung See, Rakesh Naidu

Research output: Contribution to conferenceAbstract

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/BACKGROUND
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative condition characterized by impaired motor function. Exposure to the herbicide paraquat has been linked to an elevated risk of developing PD. Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the progression of PD. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), known for their significant antioxidant properties, have shown potential in addressing oxidative stress-related disorders. This study explores the protective effects of ZnO-NPs against paraquat-induced cell death in SH-SY5Y cells.

MATERIAL and METHOD
Cells were treated with various concentrations of ZnO-NPs (0.1–1.0 µg/mL) over 72 hours, with paraquat (300 µM) introduced after the first 24 hours of ZnO-NP exposure. We assessed cell viability using the MTT assay and measured oxidative stress markers, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Apoptosis was evaluated through the caspase-3/7 assay.

RESULT
Our results indicate that ZnO-NP treatment significantly improved cell viability compared to paraquat treatment alone. While ZnO-NPs did not alter paraquat-induced changes in ROS levels, MDA levels, or SOD activity, they notably reduced the paraquat-induced increase in caspase-3/7 activity.

DISCUSSION
In summary, ZnO-NPs exhibit anti-apoptotic effects by mitigating paraquat-induced cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Further research is needed to fully understand the neuroprotective mechanisms of ZnO-NPs in Parkinson’s disease.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 2024
EventTaiwan International Congress of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders 2024 - TICC, Taipei, Taiwan
Duration: 22 Nov 202424 Nov 2024
Conference number: 7th

Conference

ConferenceTaiwan International Congress of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders 2024
Abbreviated title7th TIC-PDMD
Country/TerritoryTaiwan
CityTaipei
Period22/11/2424/11/24

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