3.4 DACA increased the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream
antioxidant enzymes in the midbrain and striatum
Studies conducted over the years have consistently demonstrated that
oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction play pivotal roles in the
pathological progression of PD. Nrf2 has been identified as an essential
antioxidant defense mechanism, safeguarding cells against abnormal
levels of ROS. Activation of Nrf2, along with other antioxidant defense
systems, is believed to confer protection to dopaminergic cells against
MPTP-induced oxidative stress. Consequently, we assessed the impact of
DACA on Nrf2 activation in brain homogenates obtained from mice treated
with MPTP. Our western blot analysis revealed that MPTP administration
led to a reduction in Nrf2 levels within both the striatum (Fig. 4A-B)
and midbrain (Fig. 4C-D). Downstream proteins of Nrf2 including HO-1,
GCLC, and GCLM exhibited a downward trend. However, following treatment
with DACA, the expression levels of these proteins were increased.