Objective: This study investigates the potential neuroprotective effects of several mushroom extracts in PD in-vitro models.

Background: Parkinson’s disease, a progressive condition, involves dysfunction or loss of neurons producing dopamine in the brain. The disease is marked by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the compact part of the substantia nigra in the midbrain and the presence of Lewy bodies, which are cytoplasmic aggregates of the α-synuclein protein in brain neurons [1]. Key components of PD pathogenesis include demonstrated mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress [2,3].  Current treatments lack disease-modifying effects, prompting the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies [4].

For centuries, mushrooms have been used as food and medicine in different cultures. Mounting evidence suggests that mushrooms are rich sources of a diverse array of beneficial compounds, including phenols, flavonoids, polysaccharides, vitamins, carotenoids, ergothioneine, and pentacyclic triterpenes. These compounds exhibit potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, positioning mushrooms as promising candidates for their neuroprotective effects [5].

Method: This study investigates the potential neuroprotective effects of 26 mushroom extracts in PD in-vitro models. Utilizing primary cortical neurons, we evaluate the antioxidant capacity and neuroprotective properties of mushroom extracts against in-vitro Lewy body-like alpha-synuclein inclusion pathology, as well as in vitro PD models induced by MPP+ and 6-OHDA.

Results: Our findings demonstrate that pretreatment with specific doses of some mushroom extracts increased cell viability significantly, ameliorated mitochondrial impairment, and attenuated oxidative stress, cytochrome c release, and apoptosis, in the in vitro PD models. These results suggest a potential neuroprotective effect of mushroom extracts in the context of Parkinson’s disease pathology.

Conclusion: Insights gained from this research may provide valuable evidence regarding the potential neuroprotective effects of medicinal mushrooms in PD. This study could create pathways for the development of novel therapeutics for Parkinson’s disease targeting neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and alpha-synuclein aggregation.

References: 1. Samii A, Nutt JG, Ransom BR. Parkinson’s disease. Lancet2004;363:1783–93
2. Exner N, Lutz AK, Haass C, Winklhofer KF. Mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkin-
son’s disease: molecular mechanisms and pathophysiological consequences.
EMBO J. 2012;31:3038–62.
3. Subramaniam SR, Chesselet MF. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in
Parkinson’s disease. Prog Neurobiol. 2013;106-107:17–32.
4. Salawu FK, Danburam A, Olokoba AB. Non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s
disease: diagnosis and management. Niger J Med. 2010;19:126–31.
5.Roupas P, Keogh J, Noakes M, et al. (2012). The role of edible
mushrooms in health: evaluation of the evidence. J Funct Foods, 4,
687–709.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/exploring-the-neuroprotective-potential-of-mushroom-extracts-in-parkinsons-disease-in-vitro-models/