Life Neuroscience

Background: Due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Agaricus bisporus mushrooms, there is potential for positive effects in preventing Parkinson's disease. This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Agaricus bisporus mushrooms in a rotenone-induced model of Parkinson’s disease in rats.

Methods: Rats were divided into five groups: control (CON), rotenone (ROTE), and three groups receiving rotenone and different doses of A. bisporus mushroom (ABM 100, ABM 200, and ABM 300) at doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg, respectively, administered daily for 21 days. Behavioral responses were assessed using the open field test and rotarod test, and various parameters including striatal dopamine, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were measured. Additionally, the expressions of Drp-1, PGC1α, and TFAM were evaluated.

Results: The results demonstrated that rotenone significantly reduced ambulation, rearing, grooming, and increased immobility time compared to the control group (P=0.001). Rotenone also decreased striatal dopamine content, GSH, SOD, CAT, and increased pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations compared to the control group (P=0.001). Furthermore, rotenone decreased the expression of Drp-1 and increased the expressions of PGC1α and TFAM compared to the control group (P=0.001).

Conclusion: The use of the mushroom at higher concentrations (200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg) reversed the effects of rotenone, suggesting that this mushroom may be utilized for preventing Parkinson's disease at higher doses.