Neuroprotective effects of tanshinone IIA in experimental model of Parkinson disease in rats

Neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease (PD) cause many problems for the patient. Treatment options include the administration of chemical drugs, which are associated with many side effects. Therefore, the current study was aimed to investigate tanshinone IIA effects on the experimental model of PD in rats and to study the neuroprotective mechanisms of this natural product. After preparation of rats and induction of PD by 6-hydroxypopamine (6-OHDA), different concentrations of tanshinone IIA were administered to the rats for 10 days. Apomorphine-induced rotation and muscle rigidity behavioral tests were used to evaluate PD induction and to study the effects of tanshinone IIA. After separation of the hippocampus, biochemical parameters such as lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, succinic dehydrogenase (SDH), super oxide dismutase (SOD), reactive oxygen species (ROS), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), IL-1β, TNF-α, INF-γ, IL-10 cytokines and NF-ĸB protein expression were measured. The results showed that PD rats receiving tanshinone IIA improved their performance in behavioral tests. Decreased oxidative stress indices and increased antioxidant capacity were observed in the hippocampal tissue of PD rats receiving tanshinone IIA. Also, administration of tanshinone IIA to PD rats downregulated inflammatory cytokines TNF-α. IL-1β and INF-γ and decreased NF-ĸB protein expression. Tanshinone IIA has therapeutic effects in PD condition as results of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, this natural product is recommended in PD treatment.