C-phycocyanin shows neuroprotective effect against rotenone-induced Parkinson’s disease in mice

Objective: To investigate the neuroprotective effect of C-phycocyanin in a mouse model of rotenone-induced Parkinson’s disease. Methods: C-phycocyanin (50 mg/kg, i.p., daily) was administered to rotenone (30 mg/kg, p.o., daily) treated mice for 28 days. Behavioral studies (Y-maze, rotarod, round beam walk, and wire-hang tests) were carried out to assess neurobehavioral deficits. Glutathione and malondialdehyde were determined in both serum and striatal tissue. Molecular proteins (AKT, AMPK, NF-κB, BDNF, and alpha-synuclein) in the striatum were estimated using ELISA. Histopathological analyses (hematoxylin and eosin stainning as well as Nissl staining) were carried out to assess structural abnormalities in the striatum. Results: C-phycocyanin significantly increased BDNF levels and decreased alpha-synuclein levels. It also slightly upregulated AMPK and AKT levels without significant difference compared with the rotenone group. Additionally, rotenone-induced elevated oxidative stress and structural abnormalities in the striatum were markedly mitigated by C-phycocyanin. Conclusions: C-phycocyanin might have potential neuroprotective effects against Parkinson’s disease. Further studies are warranted to verify its efficacy and to understand the molecular mechanisms behind the neuroprotective effects of C-phycocyanin in Parkinson’s disease.