IISc team invent nanomaterial to treat Parkinson’s

A team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru has invented a metal oxide nanomaterial that is capable of imitating all three major cellular antioxidant enzymes, thereby controlling the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside cells.

What is reactive oxygen species ? 
                           Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are chemically reactive chemical species containing oxygen. Some of the ROS include peroxides, superoxide, hydroxyl radical, and singlet oxygen.

Based on test results, the nanomaterial appears a promising one for therapeutic applications against oxidative stress-induced neurological disorders, particularly Parkinson’s .

Reactive oxygen species which are generated as part of a normal physiological process, are essential for the normal functioning of cells. Excess of ROS generated is usually controlled by the action of three antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase).

Superoxide dismutase enzyme has two forms and one functions in the cytosol and the other inside the mitochondria.
A problem arises when ROS is generated in excess amount and the enzymes are unable to control the level of ROS. Oxidative stress due to excessive ROS causes damage to DNA, proteins and lipids. and it is implicated in several diseases such as neurodegeneration ( includes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's disease), cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Parkinson’s model was tested in the lab. and the researchers are trying to design an animal model in mice for in vivo testing.