Effect of Genistein on the Transgenic Drosophila Model of Parkinson's Disease

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder and is characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Oxidative stress has also been linked with the progression of PD, hence the involvement of a natural plant product could offer neuroprotection. The present study deals with the effect of genistein on the transgenic flies expressing normal human alpha synuclein panneurally. The PD flies were exposed to 10, 20, 30, and 40 µM of genistein (mixed in diet) for 24 days. A significant dose-dependent increase in the life span and delay in the loss of climbing ability were observed in the PD flies exposed to genistein (p < .05). A significant dose-dependent decrease in oxidative stress markers and increase in dopamine content were observed in PD flies exposed to genistein. However, the exposure of genistein did not inhibit the expression of α-synuclein in the brains of PD flies.

KEYWORDS:

• genistein
• oxidative stress
• flavonoids
• alpha synuclein
• Drosophila
• Parkinson's disease

Declaration of interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Additional information

Funding

Grant (No. 59/58/2011/BMS-TRM) received from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi.

Notes on contributors

Yasir Hasan Siddique

Yasir Hasan Siddique, PhD, assistant professor in the Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh UP, India. His areas of research include neurotoxicology and neuropharmacology.

Falaq Naz

Smita Jyoti, PhD, research assistant in a project sanctioned by ICMR, New Delhi, India.

Smita Jyoti

Falaq Naz, MPhil, doctoral student, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Fahad Ali

Fahad Ali, MPhil, doctoral student, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Rahul

Rahul, MPhil, doctoral student, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.