Comprehensive Evaluation of Neuroprotective Effects of Levetiracetam in C57BL/6J Male Mice Model of Parkinsonism: Preclinical Insights

Introduction: Levetiracetam (LEV), an anticonvulsant used for epilepsy, exhibits neuroprotective effects by stabilising neuronal activity and reducing excitotoxicity. Parkinsonism, caused by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, is primarily managed symptomatically. LEV may offer both symptom re...

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Main Authors: Neeraj Pandey, VP Karthik, Preetha Selva, Philo Hazeena
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited 2025-06-01
Series:Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research
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Online Access:https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/21141/78708_CE[Ra1]__F(KR)_QC(AN_SS)_PF1(Rf_OM)_PFA(IS)_PB(Rf_IS)_PN(IS).pdf
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author Neeraj Pandey
VP Karthik
Preetha Selva
Philo Hazeena
author_facet Neeraj Pandey
VP Karthik
Preetha Selva
Philo Hazeena
author_sort Neeraj Pandey
collection DOAJ
description Introduction: Levetiracetam (LEV), an anticonvulsant used for epilepsy, exhibits neuroprotective effects by stabilising neuronal activity and reducing excitotoxicity. Parkinsonism, caused by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, is primarily managed symptomatically. LEV may offer both symptom relief and neuroprotection, presenting a potential alternative therapy. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of LEV in a mouse model of Parkinsonism. It investigated whether LEV, an antiepileptic drug, can mitigate the neurodegenerative processes and improve motor function and oxidative stress markers in a mouse model induced with Parkinsonism using 1-Methyl-4-Phenyl-1,2,3,6-Tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), a neurotoxin that selectively destroys dopaminergic neurons. Materials and Methods: The present experimental study was conducted at the Department of Pharmacology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, SRIHER, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from October 2023 to March 2024. Thirty-six male mice were divided were divided into six groups: control (vehicle), control (MPTP-treated), LEV high dose, L-Dopa + MPTP, LEV low dose + MPTP, and LEV high dose + MPTP. The mice underwent various behavioural tests, including the Open Field Test (OFT), rota-rod test, and foot slips test. Biochemical assays, such as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), and nitrite levels, were performed to assess oxidative stress and antioxidant defences. Results: The LEV-treated groups showed significant improvements (p<0.05) in locomotor activity, motor coordination, and exploratory behaviour compared to the MPTP-treated control group. LEV at a high dose of 54 mg/kg significantly enhanced antioxidant enzyme levels, with SOD at 0.373 U/mg, GPX at 3.436 mcg/mg/min, and Nitric Oxide (NO) at 3.482 mg/mL, indicating its neuroprotective potential. Conclusion: LEV demonstrated significant neuroprotective effects in a mouse model of Parkinsonism. The improvements in both behavioural outcomes and biochemical markers suggest its potential as a therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases.
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spelling doaj-art-d4026edf49464454941c1f93fa04dcd02025-08-20T02:22:03ZengJCDR Research and Publications Private LimitedJournal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research2249-782X0973-709X2025-06-01196FC24FC3010.7860/JCDR/2025/78708.21141Comprehensive Evaluation of Neuroprotective Effects of Levetiracetam in C57BL/6J Male Mice Model of Parkinsonism: Preclinical InsightsNeeraj Pandey0VP Karthik1Preetha Selva2Philo Hazeena3Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Pharmacology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.Introduction: Levetiracetam (LEV), an anticonvulsant used for epilepsy, exhibits neuroprotective effects by stabilising neuronal activity and reducing excitotoxicity. Parkinsonism, caused by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, is primarily managed symptomatically. LEV may offer both symptom relief and neuroprotection, presenting a potential alternative therapy. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of LEV in a mouse model of Parkinsonism. It investigated whether LEV, an antiepileptic drug, can mitigate the neurodegenerative processes and improve motor function and oxidative stress markers in a mouse model induced with Parkinsonism using 1-Methyl-4-Phenyl-1,2,3,6-Tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), a neurotoxin that selectively destroys dopaminergic neurons. Materials and Methods: The present experimental study was conducted at the Department of Pharmacology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, SRIHER, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from October 2023 to March 2024. Thirty-six male mice were divided were divided into six groups: control (vehicle), control (MPTP-treated), LEV high dose, L-Dopa + MPTP, LEV low dose + MPTP, and LEV high dose + MPTP. The mice underwent various behavioural tests, including the Open Field Test (OFT), rota-rod test, and foot slips test. Biochemical assays, such as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), and nitrite levels, were performed to assess oxidative stress and antioxidant defences. Results: The LEV-treated groups showed significant improvements (p<0.05) in locomotor activity, motor coordination, and exploratory behaviour compared to the MPTP-treated control group. LEV at a high dose of 54 mg/kg significantly enhanced antioxidant enzyme levels, with SOD at 0.373 U/mg, GPX at 3.436 mcg/mg/min, and Nitric Oxide (NO) at 3.482 mg/mL, indicating its neuroprotective potential. Conclusion: LEV demonstrated significant neuroprotective effects in a mouse model of Parkinsonism. The improvements in both behavioural outcomes and biochemical markers suggest its potential as a therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases.https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/21141/78708_CE[Ra1]__F(KR)_QC(AN_SS)_PF1(Rf_OM)_PFA(IS)_PB(Rf_IS)_PN(IS).pdfantioxidantdopaminergic neurons1-methyl-4-phenyl-1236-tetrahydropyridineneurodegenerative
spellingShingle Neeraj Pandey
VP Karthik
Preetha Selva
Philo Hazeena
Comprehensive Evaluation of Neuroprotective Effects of Levetiracetam in C57BL/6J Male Mice Model of Parkinsonism: Preclinical Insights
Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research
antioxidant
dopaminergic neurons
1-methyl-4-phenyl-1
2
3
6-tetrahydropyridine
neurodegenerative
title Comprehensive Evaluation of Neuroprotective Effects of Levetiracetam in C57BL/6J Male Mice Model of Parkinsonism: Preclinical Insights
title_full Comprehensive Evaluation of Neuroprotective Effects of Levetiracetam in C57BL/6J Male Mice Model of Parkinsonism: Preclinical Insights
title_fullStr Comprehensive Evaluation of Neuroprotective Effects of Levetiracetam in C57BL/6J Male Mice Model of Parkinsonism: Preclinical Insights
title_full_unstemmed Comprehensive Evaluation of Neuroprotective Effects of Levetiracetam in C57BL/6J Male Mice Model of Parkinsonism: Preclinical Insights
title_short Comprehensive Evaluation of Neuroprotective Effects of Levetiracetam in C57BL/6J Male Mice Model of Parkinsonism: Preclinical Insights
title_sort comprehensive evaluation of neuroprotective effects of levetiracetam in c57bl 6j male mice model of parkinsonism preclinical insights
topic antioxidant
dopaminergic neurons
1-methyl-4-phenyl-1
2
3
6-tetrahydropyridine
neurodegenerative
url https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/21141/78708_CE[Ra1]__F(KR)_QC(AN_SS)_PF1(Rf_OM)_PFA(IS)_PB(Rf_IS)_PN(IS).pdf
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AT preethaselva comprehensiveevaluationofneuroprotectiveeffectsoflevetiracetaminc57bl6jmalemicemodelofparkinsonismpreclinicalinsights
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