Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons and the buildup of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain. In this 2023 scientific review, researchers examined the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs)—particularly PPARγ—and their potential neuroprotective effects in Parkinson’s disease. The review highlights growing evidence that activating PPAR pathways may help address several of the biological processes involved in neurodegeneration, including inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and abnormal protein accumulation. (PMC)

The article discusses findings from preclinical studies showing that PPAR agonists may help reduce neuroinflammation, improve cellular energy production, protect dopamine-producing neurons, and limit damage caused by oxidative stress. Researchers also explored how PPAR activation may influence alpha-synuclein pathology, which is considered one of the key drivers of Parkinson’s disease progression. These effects have made PPAR-targeting compounds a promising area of investigation for future disease-modifying therapies. (PMC)

The authors conclude that PPARs represent a potentially important therapeutic target for Parkinson’s disease and related alpha-synuclein disorders. While early findings have been encouraging, they emphasize that additional clinical research is needed to determine how effectively these neuroprotective mechanisms translate to human patients. The review suggests that therapies targeting PPAR pathways may eventually play a role in slowing neurodegeneration rather than only managing symptoms. (PMC)

Source: Pérez-Segura I, Santiago-Balmaseda A, Rodríguez-Hernández LD, et al. PPARs and Their Neuroprotective Effects in Parkinson’s Disease: A Novel Therapeutic Approach in α-Synucleinopathy. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023;24(4):3264. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36834679/ (PMC)