Chrysoeriol-Mediated Neuroprotection in Parkinson’s Disease in Mice: Targeting Apoptosis, Α-Synuclein Accumulation, and Functional Recovery

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder marked by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, leading to significant motor dysfunction. Current treatments stabilize dopamine levels but fail to address underlying neuronal apoptosis, highlighting the need for novel approaches. Although chrysoeriol, a 3'-O-methoxy flavone and luteolin derivative, is well-documented for its anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, its neuroprotective potential in PD, particularly in vivo, remains largely unexplored. This study fills a critical gap by being the first to systematically assess chrysoeriol's neuroprotective effects in a PD mouse model. We evaluated the effects of 5 mg/kg chrysoeriol administered intraperitoneally (IP) for 14 days in an acute 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD model. Behavioral tests showed notable recovery, as chrysoeriol eliminated deficits in motor function, coordination, and balance, as assessed by the pole test, forced swim test, and tail suspension test. It also mitigated exploratory and locomotor deficits in the open field test, and the Y-maze test revealed improved spatial and learning memory. Hematoxylin and eosin staining indicated a significant reduction in neuronal damage across key brain regions. qPCR analysis showed reduced 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced toxicity, downregulation of α-synuclein, and an improved Bcl-2/Bax ratio. These findings suggest chrysoeriol may protect against MPP+-induced apoptosis in mice, potentially via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and reduces mitochondrial damage by downregulating α-synuclein.