Combating Cadmium-Induced Neurotoxicity, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammatory Pathways Using DOPA-31, a Dioxopiperidinamide Derivative in an In Vivo Zebrafish Model.
Combating Cadmium-Induced Neurotoxicity, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammatory Pathways Using DOPA-31, a Dioxopiperidinamide Derivative in an In Vivo Zebrafish Model.
Where did the research take place?
The study site has not been established. Author addresses may differ from where the research occurred.
Chengalpattu, IN · Author affiliation
Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulatur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India.Location evidence
Riyadh, SA · Author affiliation
Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Location evidence
Chennai, IN · Author affiliation
Centre for Applied Research, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.Location evidence
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Original abstract
Cadmium (Cd), a prevalent environmental toxin and pollutant capable of causing neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, primarily through oxidative stress, calcium imbalance, and neuroinflammation-induced mechanisms. Cd exposure increases the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and disrupts neurotransmitters by lowering antioxidants, leading to neuron death. Cd exposure in zebrafish results in neurodegeneration, with motor, mental, and behavioral impairments. The efficacy of the DOPA-31 intervention at varying concentrations was evaluated through the behavioral tests, biochemical assays for antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GSH, MDA), and histopathological analysis. Additionally, the alterations in expression levels of inflammation (tnf-α, il-1β) and neuroprotective (bdnf, syn2a) genes were also assessed. The Cd exposure exhibited the major deficits in the key behavioral parameters (motor, anxiety, and cognitive impairment). It disrupted antioxidant enzyme activity, increased lipid peroxidation, and elevated acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) activity, leading to cholinergic dysfunction. Histopathology showed extensive neuronal damage and amyloid-like protein aggregation. DOPA-31 at a 20 µM concentration, substantially exhibited antioxidant and AChE activity by reducing oxidative stress and improving motor and cognitive functions. Molecular analysis of DOPA-31 treatment showed significant downregulation of pro-inflammatory markers and upregulation of neuroprotective factors. In addition, DOPA-31 restored behavioral changes by potentially mitigating neuronal damage and protein aggregation caused by the Cd-induced neurotoxicity. This research investigation suggests the novel drug candidate DOPA-31 as a preliminary treatment for Neurodegenerative Disorder (NDD)-like features and warrants further exploration in higher animal models to assess clinical relevance.