Quinic Acid as a Potential Therapeutic Agent in Drosophila Model of Rotenone-induced Parkinson’s Disease

Background: Quinic acid (QA), a cyclic polyol is reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. The present experiment studied the protective role of QA against rotenone mediated reduction in viability, cognitive dysfunction and oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster. Materials and Methods: The antiparkinsonian role of QA was assessed in rotenone induced Drosophila model of PD by performing life span assay, cognitive and behaviour studies and biochemical (oxidant-antioxidant) assays. Results: QA exposure enhanced viability in rotenone (500 µM) exposed fruit flies and enhanced locomotion in open field and negative geotaxis assay. QA significantly attenuated the cognitive impairment (thermotaxis, smell and taste chemotaxis and phototaxis) induced by rotenone. QA significantly reduced TBARS, ROS and protein carbonyl levels and enhanced levels of GSH and activities of SOD, catalase and GST in rotenone exposed flies through its potent antioxidant properties. Conclusion: These results demonstrated that the protective effect of QA may be partially due to its potent antioxidant activity. However further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms in other cellular and animal models of PD.