Abstract
Background
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.), rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins, have shown potential in mitigating these pathological processes.
Objective
To evaluate whether dietary supplementation with 6% freeze-dried blueberries attenuates motor impairment, dopaminergic denervation, and microglial activation in a 6-OHDA-induced rat model of PD.
Methods
Adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to a control group (standard rodent food) or a treatment group (6% blueberry-enriched diet). Hemiparkinsonism was induced via stereotaxic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the right striatum. Behavioral assessments (narrow beam test, apomorphine-induced rotations, and cylinder test) were conducted before and after surgery. Immunohistochemistry was performed to quantify tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and Iba1 expression in the striatum and substantia nigra. Statistical analyze included two-way ANOVA and Student’s t-tests.
Results
Rats receiving 6% blueberries showed significantly fewer contralateral paw slips, reduced apomorphine-induced rotations, and lower motor asymmetry compared to controls (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed decreased dopaminergic denervation and microglial activation in both brain regions. Behavioral improvements correlated with histological outcomes.
Conclusions
A diet enriched with 6% blueberries significantly mitigated motor deficits, dopaminergic neuron loss, and microglial activation in a 6-OHDA-induced rat model of PD. These findings highlight the potential of blueberry supplementation as a neuroprotective nutritional strategy in neurodegenerative disease models.
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