INST Mohali scientists show nano-melatonin could help treat Parkinson's disease
A human serum albumin nanocarrier gave sustained release and better brain delivery of the 'darkness hormone'.
Summary
Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, showed that a nano-formulation of melatonin has improved antioxidative and neuroprotective properties and could be a therapeutic option for Parkinson's disease, the Ministry of Science and Technology reported on 2 January 2025. The INST Mohali team led by Dr Surajit Karmakar used a human serum albumin (HSA) nanocarrier to deliver melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in response to darkness, giving sustained release and improved bioavailability. In an in vitro Parkinson's model with rotenone-induced toxicity, the nano-melatonin improved mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis through upregulation of the epigenetic regulator BMI1.
Key facts
- Reported
- 2 January 2025, Ministry of Science and Technology
- Institute
- INST Mohali, an autonomous institute of DST
- Lead scientist
- Dr Surajit Karmakar
- Formulation
- Melatonin delivered with a human serum albumin (HSA) nanocarrier
- Mechanism
- Mitophagy induction via upregulation of epigenetic regulator BMI1
- Model
- In vitro Parkinson's model with rotenone (pesticide)-induced toxicity
- Melatonin
- Neurohormone from the pineal gland that regulates the sleep-wake cycle
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which hormone did INST Mohali researchers nano-formulate as a potential therapy for Parkinson's disease?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Melatonin
PIB (S&T): scientists proved that a nano-formulation of melatonin, the hormone produced in response to darkness, could be a potential therapeutic solution for Parkinson's disease.
Which nanocarrier did the INST Mohali team use to deliver melatonin to the brain?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Human serum albumin
PIB (S&T): the team used a biocompatible protein (human serum albumin, HSA) nanocarrier for delivery of melatonin to the brain.
Consider the following statements about the nano-melatonin study: 1. Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland. 2. The nano-melatonin induced mitophagy through upregulation of the epigenetic regulator BMI1. 3. The study was carried out at an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (S&T): melatonin is a neurohormone secreted from the pineal gland; mitophagy was induced through upregulation of BMI1; INST Mohali is an autonomous institute of DST.