Priya Nugraha, Widjiati Widjiati, Muhammad Hamdan, Bambang Purwanto, Sulistiawati, Paulus Sugianto, Arifa Mustika, Andrianto, Viski Fitri Hendrawan
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra, mainly due to apoptosis triggered by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and α-synuclein aggregation. Investigating natural compounds with anti-apoptotic potential is essential for developing neuroprotective strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) from Camellia sinensis on neuronal apoptosis markers, caspase-3 and Bcl-2, in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups, including normal and PD models induced by intraperitoneal 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6- tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). EGCG was administered to the treatment groups, while control groups received placebo. On the seventh day, rats were sacrificed and substantia nigra samples were examined immunohistochemically for caspase-3 and Bcl-2 expression. EGCG administration did not significantly alter caspase-3 or Bcl-2 expression (p?> 0.05) compared to placebo; however, neuronal degeneration was significantly reduced in EGCG-treated normal rats (F = 4.491, p < 0.05). EGCG exhibits neuroprotective effects independent of caspase-3 and Bcl-2 modulation, suggesting a potential caspase-3-independent pathway in neuroprotection. © 2025 by the authors. Licensee ResearchersLinks Ltd, England, UK.
Doctoral Program of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, (Campus A) Prof. DR. Moestopo No. 47 Street Pacar Kembang, East Java, Surabaya City, 60132, Indonesia; Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Airlangga University, (Campus C) Dharmahusada Permai No. 1 Street, Mulyorejo, East Java, Surabaya City, 60115, Indonesia; Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, (Campus A) Prof. DR. Moestopo No. 47 street Pacar Kembang, East Java, Surabaya City, 60132, Indonesia; Department of Physiology and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, (Campus A) Prof. DR. Moestopo No. 47 Street Pacar Kembang, East Java, Surabaya City, 60132, Indonesia; Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, (Campus A) Prof. DR. Moestopo No. 47 Street Pacar Kembang, East Java, Surabaya City, 60132, Indonesia; Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, (Campus A) Prof. DR. Moestopo No. 47 Street Pacar Kembang, East Java, Surabaya City, 60132, Indonesia; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, (Campus A) Prof. DR. Moestopo No. 47 Street Pacar Kembang, East Java, Surabaya City, 60132, Indonesia; Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, (Campus A) Prof. DR. Moestopo No. 47 Street Pacar Kembang, East Java, Surabaya City, 60132, Indonesia; Department of Veterinary reproduction, Brawijaya University, Puncak Dieng Street, Kunci-Kalisongo, East Java, Malang, 60132, Indonesia
