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Mohali, India — Scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have demonstrated a groundbreaking therapeutic approach to treating Parkinson’s disease using a nano-formulation of melatonin.
Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive neurological disorder, is characterized by the death of dopamine-secreting neurons in the brain due to the aggregation of synuclein proteins. Current treatments primarily manage symptoms but fail to address the root cause of the disease, creating an urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies.
Melatonin, a hormone produced in response to darkness and commonly used to treat insomnia, has been identified as a potential inducer of mitophagy—a cellular quality control mechanism that eliminates dysfunctional mitochondria and reduces oxidative stress. This process is crucial in counteracting Parkinson’s disease.
The research team, led by Dr. Surajit Karmakar, employed human serum albumin (HSA) nanocarriers to deliver melatonin directly to the brain. This innovative approach resulted in a sustained release of melatonin, significantly enhancing its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy compared to traditional methods.
Key Findings:
- Enhanced Mitophagy and Neuroprotection: Nano-melatonin improved the removal of unhealthy mitochondria and promoted mitochondrial biogenesis. These effects counteracted pesticide-induced toxicity in laboratory models of Parkinson’s disease.
- Increased Antioxidative Properties: The formulation upregulated BMI1, a crucial epigenetic regulator that controls gene expression, thereby reducing oxidative stress and alleviating Parkinson’s symptoms.
- Sustained Release and Targeted Delivery: The nano-formulation provided controlled release and precise brain targeting, ensuring superior efficacy over bare melatonin.
The research, published in ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, highlights the significantly enhanced neuroprotective properties of nano-melatonin in both in vitro and in vivo models. The study also sheds light on the molecular and cellular dynamics regulated by melatonin to mitigate Parkinson’s disease.
This breakthrough offers hope for a more effective therapeutic solution for Parkinson’s, paving the way for future clinical applications and better patient outcomes.
