Researchers in India have developed a new nanoformulation that may improve the safety and efficacy of Parkinson’s disease treatment, IANS, a partner of TV BRICS, reported.
The scientists created a targeted drug delivery system for the sustained release of 17β-oestradiol (E2), a hormone crucial for managing Parkinson’s symptoms. Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is linked to an imbalance of E2 in the brain. However, wider therapeutic use of the hormone has been hampered by potential side effects and a limited understanding of its molecular mechanisms.
To overcome these challenges, the researchers used dopamine receptor D3 (DRD3)-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles to deliver E2 directly to the brain, thereby enhancing its therapeutic potential. This innovative approach protects against mitochondrial damage by inhibiting calpain translocation.
The study also revealed a critical role for BMI1, a regulator of mitochondrial homeostasis, in Parkinson’s disease. The nanoformulation successfully restored BMI1 expression by preventing its degradation via calpain inhibition, potentially offering a new target for neuroprotective therapies.
