Epalrestat improves motor symptoms by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the reserpine induced mouse model of Parkinson’s disease

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting a large number of elderly people worldwide. The current therapies for PD are symptom-based; they do not provide a cure but improve the quality of life. Muscular dysfunction is the hallmark clinical feature of PD and oxidative stress and inflammation play a critical role in its pathogenesis. Epalrestat is used for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy and is known to improve antioxidative defense mechanisms in the CNS. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the role of Epalrestat in the reserpine induced mouse model of PD. METHOD: We used Swiss Albino mice for the PD model and tested for akinesia/bradykinesia, muscular rigidity, palpebral ptosis, and tremor, as well as conducting swim…