Apigenin alleviates neuroinflammation in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of apigenin on inflammatory response in brain tissue in Parkinson's mouse model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Parkinson's disease model was induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Sixty 8-10-weeks-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups control, Parkinson, prophylaxis, and treatment. Control (0.9% NaCl 0.5 ml, 10 days, i.p.), Parkinson (25 mg/kg MPTP, 5 days, i.p.), prophylaxis (50 mg/kg apigenin, 5 days + 25 mg/kg MPTP, 5 days, i.p.), and treatment (25 mg/kg MPTP, 5 days + 50 mg/kg apigenin, 5 days). The expressions and protein levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1-beta (IL-1ß), IL-6, IL-10, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) were determined using immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent analysis. RESULTS: Apigenin administration attenuated MPTP-induced histopathological changes in brain tissue. Furthermore, apigenin reversed the changes in expressions and concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-ß. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that apigenin could be used as a neuroprotective option to attenuate neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease.