Author(s) :

Bhavana Thirunavukkarasan.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder marked by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons and chronic neuroinflammation. Current treatments improve symptoms but do not halt disease progression. This study examines the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective potential of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) in PD. Transcriptomic analysis of oxidation resistance 1 (OXR1) activated, α-synuclein-overexpressing cells showed upregulation of melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) and enrichment of pathways involved in apoptosis regulation, oxidative stress response, and inflammation resolution, suggesting a shift toward cellular protection and immune modulation. Supporting murine model data further suggest that MC1R activation is associated with reduced neuroinflammation and improved neuronal survival, reinforcing melanocortin signaling as a potentially neuroprotective pathway. α-MSH and its analogs may modulate microglial activation, mitochondrial function, and redox balance, suggesting potential relevance to upstream pathological mechanisms beyond dopamine deficiency alone. These findings highlight melanocortin signaling as a promising area for further investigation in PD, though additional experimental and clinical validation is needed to determine its therapeutic applicability.