Title:A Research Update on Exendin-4 as a Novel Molecule Against
Parkinson’s Disease
Volume: 23
Issue: 9
Author(s): Niraj Kumar Singh*, Ashini Singh, Mini Varshney and Ritik Agrawal
Affiliation:
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, NH-19, Mathura-Delhi Road, Chaumuha, Mathura-
281406, UP, India
Keywords:
Exendin-4, Parkinson's disease, α-Synuclein, GLP-1 analogue, mitochondria, neuroprotection.
Abstract: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative
disorder, and its consequences severely influence the quality of a patient’s life and
mobility. PD is characterized by bradykinesias with tremors and/or rigidity.
Pathophysiologically, PD is associated with the gradual degeneration of dopaminergic
neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta of the midbrain, neuroinflammation,
increased accumulation of the alpha (α)-synuclein, overburden of oxidative stress, and
mitochondrial dysfunction. To date, there are no effective therapies with underlying
shreds of evidence that alters the progression of PD. Exendin-4, a glucagon-like peptide
1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, has gained attention for its tremendous neuroprotective
potential against numerous neurodegenerative disorders, including PD. Further, several
pieces of research evidence have suggested the beneficial role of Exendin-4 in PD-like
experimental models. The present review article highlights the preclinical and clinical
evidence of the therapeutic benefits of Exendin-4 against PD. Exendin-4 reverses the
PD-like symptoms in experimental animals by dramatically minimizing the loss of
dopaminergic neuronal and accumulation of α-synuclein in the PD-like brain. Further, it
also reduces the mitochondrial toxicity and expression of pro-inflammatory mediators
such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β. These observations
designate that Exendin-4 is a multifactorial compound that could be considered a safe,
effective, and new ingredient for developing clinically useful pharmacotherapy for
managing PD-like manifestations.