title: Neuroprotective Properties of the Standardized Extract from Camellia sinensis (Green Tea) and Its Main Bioactive Components, Epicatechin and Epigallocatechin Gallate, in the 6-OHDA Model of Parkinson's Disease.
abstract: Camellia sinensis (green tea) is largely consumed, mainly in Asia. It possesses several biological effects such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The objectives were to investigate the neuroprotective actions of the standardized extract (CS), epicatechin (EC) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), on a model of Parkinson's disease. Male Wistar rats were divided into SO (sham-operated controls), untreated 6-OHDA-lesioned and 6-OHDA-lesioned treated for 2 weeks with CS (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg), EC (10 mg/kg), or EGCG (10 mg/kg) groups. One hour after the last administration, animals were submitted to behavioral tests and euthanized and their striata and hippocampi were dissected for neurochemical (DA, DOPAC, and HVA) and antioxidant activity determinations, as well as immunohistochemistry evaluations (TH, COX-2, and iNOS). The results showed that CS and catechins reverted behavioral changes, indicating neuroprotection manifested as decreased rotational behavior, increased locomotor activity, antidepressive effects, and improvement of cognitive dysfunction, as compared to the untreated 6-OHDA-lesioned group. Besides, CS, EP, and EGCG reversed the striatal oxidative stress and immunohistochemistry alterations. These results show that the neuroprotective effects of CS and its catechins are probably and in great part due to its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, pointing out their potential for the prevention and treatment of PD.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine of the Federal University of Ceará, Rua Nunes de Melo 1127 (Rodolfo Teófilo), 60430-270 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil ; Faculty of Medicine Estácio of Juazeiro do Norte, Avenida Tenente Raimundo Rocha 515 (Cidade Universitária), 63048-080 Juazeiro do Norte, CE, Brazil.
authors.forename: Natália
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bitu Pinto
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine Estácio of Juazeiro do Norte, Avenida Tenente Raimundo Rocha 515 (Cidade Universitária), 63048-080 Juazeiro do Norte, CE, Brazil.
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: da Silva Alexandre
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine of the Federal University of Ceará, Rua Nunes de Melo 1127 (Rodolfo Teófilo), 60430-270 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
authors.forename: Kelly Rose Tavares
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Neves
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine of the Federal University of Ceará, Rua Nunes de Melo 1127 (Rodolfo Teófilo), 60430-270 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
authors.forename: Aline Holanda
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine of the Federal University of Ceará, Rua Nunes de Melo 1127 (Rodolfo Teófilo), 60430-270 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
authors.forename: Luzia Kalyne A M
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Leal
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine of the Federal University of Ceará, Rua Nunes de Melo 1127 (Rodolfo Teófilo), 60430-270 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil ; Faculty of Medicine Estácio of Juazeiro do Norte, Avenida Tenente Raimundo Rocha 515 (Cidade Universitária), 63048-080 Juazeiro do Norte, CE, Brazil.
authors.forename: Glauce S B
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Viana