Is nano-melatonin the next breakthrough for Parkinson's treatment?

Parkinson’s disease is brought on by the death of dopamine-secreting neurons in the brain as a result of synuclein protein aggregation.

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According to a press release from PIB, researchers have demonstrated that a nanoformulation of melatonin, the hormone the brain produces in response to darkness, exhibited enhanced antioxidative and neuroprotective qualities and may be a viable treatment option for Parkinson’s disease (PD).

One of the most prevalent neurological conditions, Parkinson’s disease, is brought on by the death of dopamine-secreting neurons in the brain as a result of synuclein protein aggregation. The fact that current drugs can only lessen symptoms rather than treat the illness emphasizes the need for improved therapeutic approaches.

Studies over the last decade have shown the implications of PD-related genes in governing a quality control mechanism called “Mitophagy”, which identifies and removes dysfunctional mitochondria and reduces oxidative stress. Among many antioxidants, melatonin, a neurohormone secreted from the pineal gland, an endocrine gland present in the brain, that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and is used to treat insomnia could be a potential inducer of mitophagy to mitigate PD, says the release.