Ellagic acid mitigates rotenone-induced damage via modulating mitochondria function in Drosophila melanogaster.

Constant, systematic exposure to rotenone has been utilized in animal models to induce Parkinsonism. Ellagic acid is a polyphenol with anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties which is found in numerous natural fruits. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effects of ellagic acid in rotenone-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster evaluating their antioxidant and mitoprotective properties. Adult flies were treated with rotenone and ellagic acid through their diet for 7 days, thereafter markers of neurotoxicity (acetylcholinesterase, monoamine oxidase, tyrosine hydroxylase), antioxidant and oxidative stress markers (hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl contents, catalase, total thiol, and nonprotein thiol) was measured. Mitochondrial respiration was also evaluated in the flies. Survival assay was carried out with both genders of the flies, and we observed a significant increase in the survival rate of flies exposed to both rotenone and ellagic acid when compared with the increased mortality rate in the groups exposed to rotenone alone. The impaired locomotion, altered redox status, and enzymes of neurotoxicity induced by rotenone were significantly ameliorated by ellagic acid to levels comparable to the control. In addition, rotenone-induced complex 1 inhibition and altered bioenergetic state were restored upon ellagic acid supplementation. These findings show the beneficial properties of ellagic acid against pesticides induced toxicity.

Jobelyn® extends the life span and improves motor function in Drosophila melanogaster exposed to lipopolysaccharide via augmentation of antioxidant status.

Jobelyn® (JB), a dietary supplement, derived from polyphenol-rich leaf sheath of Sorghum bicolor, has been reported to attenuate sensorimotor deficits and oxidative stress evoked by complete Freund-adjuvant in mice. This present study evaluated its effects on the life span, motor function and changes in oxidative stress parameters as well as acetylcholinesterase activity in Drosophila melanogaster exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The flies (50 per vial), in 5 replicates were fed with LPS (250 µg/kg diet) alone or in combination with JB (0.25-1.0 mg/kg diet) daily for 7 days. The mortality rate and motor function were evaluated on day 7. The flies were afterwards processed for determination of oxidative stress parameters and acetylcholinesterase activity. The effects of JB (0.25-1.0 mg/g diet) on the longevity of Drosophila was also investigated wherein the flies were monitored daily for mortality throughout their lifespan. The flies exposed to LPS (250 µg/kg diet) had reduced life span and elevated oxidative stress when compared with control. However, JB (0.25 and 1.0 mg/kg diet) improved the motor function and also reduced the mortality rate of the flies exposed to LPS. It also restored the cellular antioxidant status and reduced acetylcholinesterase activity, accumulation of hydrogen peroxide as well as nitric oxide in Drosophila fed with LPS. JB also extended the longevity of the flies relative to control. The findings that JB improves motor function and extended the lifespan of Drosophila flies by boosting the antioxidant status and cholinergic function, suggest it might be helpful in delaying the onset of neuropsychiatric illnesses associated with the aging processes.