Objective: This study investigated the role of VD3 supplementation on non-motor symptoms and its mechanism of action in a rotenone rat model of PD.
Background: There are pre-clinical and clinical evidences that Vitamin D supplementation might be beneficial in the management of motor dysfunction which primarily defines Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, it is unclear if VD3 offers similar protection against the non-motor symptoms which often precedes motor manifestation in PD.
Method: Rats were randomly assigned into control, rotenone and/or VD3. Rats exposed to rotenone toxin (4 intraperitoneal injection of 20mg/kg over 8 hours) were pretreated with VD3 (orally 2ug/kg) for 28 days. Non-motor dysfunctions evaluated were pain perception, anxiety and depression using relevant batteries of behavioral assessment on days 0, 7, 14 and 28. Rats were euthanized and the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of the brain was processed for neurochemical (dopamine and serotonin); neuroinflammatory biomarkers (IL-1, IL-6, NrF-2 & TNF-α), Oxidative stress markers (SOD, MDA, GSH, catalase, NO) and immunohistochemical (IBA-1, GFAP) assessment. Data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA using graph pad prism 8, with the level of significance set at P<0.05.
Results: VD3 intervention positively modulated pain perception as depicted by decrease in paw licking time, an increase in reaction latency in hot plate and tail flick tests. Furthermore, it showed anxiolytic propensity by reducing the frequency and duration of time spent by rats in the closed arm of elevated plus maze. However, it did not significantly alter the immobility time in the forced swimming test for depression. Biochemically, VD3 increased the level of dopamine but not serotonin. It reduced the levels of IL-1, MDA and upregulated SOD, catalase. Histologically, there was increased expression of NrF-2.
Conclusion: Taken together, VD3 ameliorates pain and anxiety symptoms manifested in Rotenone-exposed rats by modulating the dopaminergic/oxidative/inflammatory pathways all of which have been implicated in the pathophysiology of PD.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
A. Bayo-Olugbami, N. Oseni, P. Jimoh, L. Anifowose, B V. Owoyele. Vitamin D3 Supplementation Ameliorates Non-Motor Symptoms Associated with Parkinson’s Diseases in a Rotenone Model in Wistar Rats [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2025; 40 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/vitamin-d3-supplementation-ameliorates-non-motor-symptoms-associated-with-parkinsons-diseases-in-a-rotenone-model-in-wistar-rats/. Accessed October 5, 2025.« Back to 2025 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/vitamin-d3-supplementation-ameliorates-non-motor-symptoms-associated-with-parkinsons-diseases-in-a-rotenone-model-in-wistar-rats/