Corilagin Attenuates Neuronal Apoptosis and Ferroptosis of Parkinson’s Disease through Regulating the TLR4/Src/NOX2 Signaling Pathway

Corilagin has shown neuroprotective potential in various neurological disorders, but its effects in Parkinson's disease (PD) have not been fully explored. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic impact and underlying mechanism of corilagin on PD using MPTP-induced mice and MPP⁺-treated N2a cells. Behavioral tests and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that corilagin significantly reduced MPTP-induced loss of TH-positive neurons in the substantia nigra. In vitro, corilagin improved cell viability, decreased MPP⁺-induced apoptosis, and mitigated the associated oxidative stress by lowering intracellular ROS levels and preserving mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, corilagin reversed MPP⁺-induced iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation in N2a cells. Mechanistically, Western blotting revealed that the protective effects of corilagin are linked to the TLR4/Src/NOX2 signaling pathway. The TLR4 agonist RS 09 impaired the neuroprotective effects of corilagin, further supporting its role in modulating ferroptosis via this pathway. These findings suggest that corilagin could be a promising therapeutic agent for PD by targeting the TLR4/Src/NOX2 signaling axis to inhibit ferroptosis.