Roflumilast escalates α-synuclein aggregate degradation in rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease in rats: Modulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system and endoplasmic reticulum stress

Perturbation of the protein homeostasis circuit is one of the principal attributes associated with many neuro-degenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aimed to explore the neuroprotective effect of roflumilast (ROF), a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, in a rotenone-induced rat model of PD and investigate the potential underlying mechanisms. Interestingly, ROF (1 mg/kg, p.o.) attenuated motor impairment, prevented brain lesions, and rescued the dopaminergic neurons in rotenone-treated rats. Furthermore, it reduced misfolded a-synuclein burden. ROF also promoted the midbrain cyclic adenosine monophosphate level, which subsequently enhanced the 26S proteasome activity and the expression of the 20S proteasome. ROF counteracted rotenone-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress, which was demonstrated by its impact on activating transcription factor 6, glucose-regulated protein 78, and C/EBP homologous protein levels. Moreover, ROF averted rotenone-induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by its effects on the levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, heme oxygenase-1, reduced glutathione, and lipid peroxides with a significant anti-apoptotic activity. Collec-tively, this study implies repurposing of ROF as a novel neuroprotective drug owning to its ability to restore normal protein homeostasis.

Automated summary

This study found that roflumilast, a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, has a neuroprotective effect in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. It reduces motor impairment, brain lesions, and loss of dopaminergic neurons, and decreases the accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein. Roflumilast enhances proteasome activity, inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress, and shows significant anti-apoptotic activity. This study suggests that roflumilast can be repurposed as a novel neuroprotective drug to restore protein homeostasis.