ISSN: 2642-6315
Authors: Rao S V , Salim C, Muralidhara M and Rajini PS*
Earlier we demonstrated the potential of Crocin, (CR) a well known carotenoid to attenuate experimentally induced neurotoxicity employing a Drosophila model. In the present study we sought to obtain insights on the neuroprotective propensity of CR using acrylamide (ACR) model of neurotoxicity in the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans. We exposed age-synchronized L4 worms (both wild-type N2 and BZ555 strain to ACR (250mg/L) for 48 h in the presence or absence of CR (10μM). The protective efficacy of CR was assessed in N2 worms by analyzing phenotypic alterations (locomotory behaviour), reproductive functions (brood size and egg laying), biochemical parameters and longevity. The neuroprotective propensity was assessed by direct visualization and quantification of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the transgenic strain (BZ555). CR treatment not only normalized reproductive functions, but significantly alleviated ACRinduced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Further, CR restored the activity levels of acetylcholinesterase, dopamine levels and markedly reduced the dopaminergic degeneration. CR also extended the lifespan in N2 worms and markedly enhanced the expectancy of short-lived mutant worms (MEV-1). Collectively, these experimental findings reveal that CR significantly attenuates the dopaminergic neurodegeneration and associated physiological/ biochemical dysfunctions induced by ACR in C. elegans. Based on these data we propose that Crocin may be an effective therapeutic adjuvant in the management of oxidative stress mediated neurodegenerative conditions.
Keywords: Crocin; Acrylamide; Oxidative Stress; Caenorhabditis Elegans; Neuroprotection
