Bergenin Ameliorates MPTP-Induced Parkinson's Disease by Activating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent progressive neurodegenerative disease, second only to Alzheimer's disease, with motor disorders and cognitive impairment. Bergenin (Berg), extracted from the herb of Saxifrage stolonifera Curt. (Hu-Er-Cao), has anti-tumor, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, and neuroprotective properties.

Objective: In this study, we wanted to investigate the effects of Berg on PD and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods: 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) was used to introduce PD symptoms in mice. The expression levels of tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine, and Iba-1 were examined. The levels of a series of inflammatory mediators were measured by qPCR. In addition, the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was investigated to illustrate the underlying mechanism. In vitro, PC12 cells subjected to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were treated with Berg.

Results: We found that MPTP injection introduced motor deficits, apoptosis of neurons and inflammation, as well as inhibited the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. However, Berg treatment suppressed the MPTP-induced alterations. In vitro, Berg attenuated the cytotoxic effects on PC12 cells induced by the culture supernatants derived from LPS-induced microglial cells.

Conclusion: Berg attenuated the PD symptoms via activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro.