Differential effects of phytotherapic preparations in the hSOD1 Drosophila melanogaster model of ALS

Sci Rep. 2017 Jan 19:7:41059. doi: 10.1038/srep41059.

Abstract

The present study was aimed at characterizing the effects of Withania somnifera (Wse) and Mucuna pruriens (Mpe) on a Drosophila melanogaster model for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). In particular, the effects of Wse and Mpe were assessed following feeding the flies selectively overexpressing the wild human copper, zinc-superoxide dismutase (hSOD1-gain-of-function) in Drosophila motoneurons. Although ALS-hSOD1 mutants showed no impairment in life span, with respect to GAL4 controls, the results revealed impairment of climbing behaviour, muscle electrophysiological parameters (latency and amplitude of ePSPs) as well as thoracic ganglia mitochondrial functions. Interestingly, Wse treatment significantly increased lifespan of hSDO1 while Mpe had not effect. Conversely, both Wse and Mpe significantly rescued climbing impairment, and also latency and amplitude of ePSPs as well as failure responses to high frequency DLM stimulation. Finally, mitochondrial alterations were any more present in Wse- but not in Mpe-treated hSOD1 mutants. Hence, given the role of inflammation in the development of ALS, the high translational impact of the model, the known anti-inflammatory properties of these extracts, and the viability of their clinical use, these results suggest that the application of Wse and Mpe might represent a valuable pharmacological strategy to counteract the progression of ALS and related symptoms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / mortality
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / pathology
  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified / metabolism
  • Behavior, Animal / drug effects
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism
  • Drosophila melanogaster
  • Evoked Potentials / drug effects
  • Ganglia / pathology
  • Ganglia / ultrastructure
  • Humans
  • Longevity / drug effects
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Mitochondria / drug effects
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Mitochondria / pathology
  • Motor Neurons / metabolism
  • Mucuna / chemistry
  • Mucuna / metabolism
  • Mutagenesis
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Superoxide Dismutase-1 / genetics
  • Superoxide Dismutase-1 / metabolism*
  • Survival Rate
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Withania / chemistry
  • Withania / metabolism

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins
  • GAL4 protein, Drosophila
  • Plant Extracts
  • Transcription Factors
  • Superoxide Dismutase-1