Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the loss of neurons that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in motor control and cognitive functions. As the world’s population ages, the number of patients with Parkinson’s disease is increasing rapidly. Parkinson’s disease is caused by neuronal damage due to excessive production of reactive oxygen species.
Suppression of reactive oxygen species formation is essential because it is fatal to dopaminergic neurons that manage dopamine neurotransmitters. Currently, only symptomatic treatment is available, so the development of treatment regimens and prevention methods is necessary.
Fortunately, Associate Professor Akiko Kojima-Yuasa of Osaka Metropolitan University’s Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology led a research group investigating the physiological effect of Ecklonia cava polyphenols, seaweed antioxidants, on the prevention of Parkinson’s disease.
In this study, two types of motor function tests were performed on Parkinson’s disease model mice, which were given the antioxidants orally daily for a week and then administered rotenone. The results showed that motor function, which was impaired by rotenone, was restored. There was also improvement in intestinal motor function and the structure of the intestinal mucosa, a special tissue that covers the large intestine.
Furthermore, cellular experiments using Parkinson’s disease model cells confirmed the biochemical interaction of the preventive effect of Ecklonia cava. Validation results showed that the antioxidants activate the AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase) enzyme, an intracellular energy sensor, and inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species that cause neuronal cell death.
‘This study suggests that Ecklonia cava Antioxidants can reduce neuronal damage through AMPK activation and inhibiting the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species,” said Professor Kojima-Yuasa. “I hope that Ecklonia cava will be an effective ingredient in the prevention of Parkinson’s disease.”
