The combination of two proteins exerts a regenerating effect in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is currently the second-most widespread neurogenerative pathology. It is a motor disorder caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the gray matter of the brain. These neurons produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the modulation of involuntary movements.

The research carried out at the UPV/EHU was developed in an experimental model that reproduces different stages of Parkinson's disease. The results showed that the changes caused by the condition were not homogeneous between different parts of the brain. "The impairment is correlated with the specific anatomic distribution of the dopaminergic neurons and their terminals," said researcher Catalina Requejo. In other words, those areas in which the dopaminergic neurons have more connections with regions that remain whole were found to be less affected.

After confirming that the experimental model could be used to explore the morphological and functional changes caused by the disease, therapeutic strategies based on the release of neurotrophic factors were applied. These factors are proteins that encourage cell growth, plasticity and survival, and therefore play an essential role in controlling neuronal function.

Specifically, the researchers applied vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). These molecules were delivered encapsulated in microspheres or in nanospheres, comprising a biocompatible, biodegradable polymer: poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), which is released continuously and gradually. Furthermore, the factors were administered in a combined way to determine whether they induced a synergistic effect.

The results were encouraging in both the early and severe phase of the model. The combining of the VEGF and GDNF not only significantly reduced the degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons of gray matter, it also induced the formation of new cells and cellular differentiation. The researchers were also able to confirm that there had been an improvement in the areas where the nerve fibres in this region were projected. To confirm the synergistic, neurogenerative effect of the two factors, they administered a molecule that inhibits the receptors of the two neurotrophic factors they were studying. "The consequences for the dopaminergic system were even worse, which supports the beneficial synergistic effects exerted by the VEFG and the GDNF in Parkinson's," concluded the researcher.

Finally, it is worth highlighting that the best results were obtained when the factors were delivered encapsulated in nanospheres during the early phase of the disease replicated in the model. This reinforces the importance of early diagnosis, and that "nanotechnology could be a very useful tool when it comes to administering neurotrophic factors," she said.