Neuroprotective and Therapeutic Role of Omega-3 Against Oxidative Stress and Neurotransmitter Disturbances in Rotenone-Induced Mice Model of Parkinson's Disease

The present study aimed at evaluating the protective and therapeutic efficacy of omega-3 against motor impairment and brain biochemical disturbances in rotenone-induced mice model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Sixty animals were divided into six groups (10 each): mice of the 1st group were used as controls, they were injected subcutaneously ( s c ) with the vehicle (50 μl dimethylsulfoxide (DEMSO) + 950 μl sunflower oil /kg body weight) every other day for 30 days; the 2nd group, mice model of Parkinson’s disease (PD), were injected (s c ) with rotenone (3 mg/kg dissolved in vehicle every other day for 30 days ). the 3rd group, mice were given rotenone for 30 days followed by a stopping (recovery) period of other 30 days to validate the persistency of the PD model; the 4th group (protection group), mice received orally Omega-3 oil (300 mg/kg) daily an hour before every rotenone injection for 30 days; the 5th and 6th groups (therapeutic groups ), mice were treated orally with Omega-3 oil daily for 7 and 15 days respectively after the induction of PD mice model. Data obtained revealed an impairment of the motor activity in mice of PD model as indicated from the decreased time of the forelimb hanging test. This was associated with a state of oxidative stress in the brain of PD model as indicated from the increase in lipid peroxidation (increased malondialdehyed, MDA, level) and nitric oxide (NO), and the decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH). A significant decrease in the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, AChE activity and a significant increase in TNF-α level was recorded in the PD model. The present findings show that both the protection by or oral treatment with omega-3 for 15 days could ameliorate the rotenone- induced oxidative stress and inflammation in brain of PD mice model. In addition, omega-3 either as protection or treatment daily for 15 days was effective in restoring the decrease in dopamine and norepinephrine induced in the brain of PD mice model. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that omega-3 supplementation potentially reverses the motor, and neurochemical alternations induced by rotenone in mice model of PD