Indian Scientists Highlight Melatonin's Potential in Treating Parkinson's

New Delhi: Researchers from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) Mohali, an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have demonstrated that a nano-formulation of melatonin, a hormone naturally produced in response to darkness, could offer a promising therapeutic approach for Parkinson's disease (PD).

Parkinson's, a common neurological disorder, arises from the death of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain due to the accumulation of synuclein protein. Current treatments only alleviate symptoms without curing the disease, emphasizing the need for more effective therapies.

Previous studies have linked Parkinson's-associated genes to "mitophagy," a quality control mechanism that removes damaged mitochondria and reduces oxidative stress. Melatonin, often used to treat insomnia, has been identified as a potential inducer of mitophagy, showing promise in addressing Parkinson's disease.

The INST team, led by Dr. Surajit Karmakar, investigated the molecular mechanism of melatonin's effects on oxidative stress using a human serum albumin (HSA) nanocarrier to deliver the drug directly to the brain. This nano-melatonin formulation provided sustained melatonin release and improved bioavailability, enhancing its therapeutic potential.

The nano-melatonin demonstrated significant antioxidative and neuroprotective effects in an in vitro Parkinson’s model. It boosted mitophagy, aiding in the removal of dysfunctional mitochondria, and improved mitochondrial biogenesis, countering pesticide-induced toxicity. These advancements were attributed to the targeted delivery of melatonin to the brain and its prolonged release, which increased its efficacy compared to conventional melatonin.

The study further revealed that nano-melatonin's antioxidative benefits stemmed from the upregulation of BMI1, an epigenetic regulator that controls gene expression. By reducing oxidative stress, this mechanism alleviates Parkinson's symptoms.

Published in the journal ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, the findings underscore the superior neuroprotective effects of nano-melatonin and its ability to regulate mitophagy through molecular and cellular pathways. This innovative approach offers hope for developing advanced treatments for Parkinson's disease, marking a significant step forward in neurodegenerative disorder research.