Pathological considerations in the treatment of Parkinson's disease: more than just a wiring diagram

Glycolysis: The Next Big Breakthrough in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by the death of dopaminergic neurons. Its pathogenesis comprises defects in the physiological pathway of mitophagy and mutations in the genes involved in this process's regulatory mechanism. PD manifests itself with multiple motor and non-motor symptoms, and currently, there are multiple pharmacological treatments, and unconventional non-drug treatments available. The mainstay of Parkinson's disease treatment has centered around directly manipulating neural mechanisms to retain high dopamine levels, either by exogenous administration, increasing intrinsic production, or inhibiting the breakdown of dopamine. In this review, we highlight a new potential biochemical modality of treatment, treating PD through glycolysis. We highlight how terazosin (TZ), via PGK1, increases ATP levels and how enhanced glycolysis serves a neuroprotective role in PD, and compensates for damage caused by mitophagy. We also discuss the role of quercetin, a bioactive flavonoid, in preventing the development of PD, and reversing mitochondrial dysfunction but only so in diabetic patients. Thus, further research should be conducted on glycolysis as a protective target in PD that can serve to not just prevent, but also alleviate the non-dopaminergic signs and symptoms of PD.

Solid Microneedles for Transdermal Delivery of Amantadine Hydrochloride and Pramipexole Dihydrochloride

The aim of this project was to study the influence of microneedles on transdermal delivery of amantadine hydrochloride and pramipexole dihydrochloride across porcine ear skin in vitro. Microchannel visualization studies were carried out and characterization of the microchannel depth was performed using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to demonstrate microchannel formation following microneedle roller application. We also report, for the first time, the use of TA.XT Plus Texture Analyzer to characterize burst force in pig skin for transdermal drug delivery experiments. This is the force required to rupture pig skin. The mean passive flux of amantadine hydrochloride, determined using a developed LC–MS/MS technique, was 22.38 ± 4.73 µg/cm²/h, while the mean flux following the use of a stainless steel microneedle roller was 49.04 ± 19.77 µg/cm²/h. The mean passive flux of pramipexole dihydrochloride was 134.83 ± 13.66 µg/cm²/h, while the flux following the use of a stainless steel microneedle roller was 134.04 ± 0.98 µg/cm²/h. For both drugs, the difference in flux values following the use of solid stainless steel microneedle roller was not statistically significantly (p > 0.05). Statistical analysis was carried out using the Mann–Whitney Rank sum test.