Neuroprotective effects of mitoquinone and oleandrin on Parkinson’s disease model in zebrafish

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> The aim of this study is to investigate the possible protective effects of mitoquinone and oleandrin on rotenone induced Parkinson's disease in zebrafish. <b>Materials and methods:</b> Adult zebrafish were exposed to rotenone and mitoquinone for 30 days. Biochemical parameters were determined by spectrophotometric method and Parkinson's disease-related gene expressions were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method. Measurement of neurotransmitters was performed by liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry instrument. The accumulation of synuclein was demonstrated by immunohistochemical staining. <i>In vitro</i> thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide method was applied to determine the mitochondrial function of synaptosomal brain fractions using rotenone as a neurotoxic agent and mitoquinone and oleandrin as neuroprotective agents. <b>Results:</b> Mitoquinone improved the oxidant-antioxidant balance and neurotransmitter levels that were disrupted by rotenone. Mitoquinone also ameliorated the expressions of Parkinson's disease-related gene expressions that were disrupted by rotenone. According to thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide assay results, mitoquinone and oleandrin increased mitochondrial function which was decreased due to rotenone exposure. <b>Conclusion:</b> Based on the results of our study, positive effects of mitoquinone were observed in Parkinson's disease model induced by rotenone in zebrafish.