Neurology

Rat studies suggest liposomal delivery of PPARγ agonists could help treat PD. In a rat model of short-term rotenone-induced PD, i.p. liposomes loaded with the PPARγ agonist Avandia decreased retinal ganglion cell apoptosis, thickening of the retinal nerve fiber layer, and other ophthalmic markers of PD compared with no treatment. In a rat model of long-term rotenone-induced PD, i.p. liposomal Avandia increased the number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TYH)-positive dopaminergic cells - a marker of dopamine production - in the substantia nigra and striatum compared with non-liposomal Avandia. Next steps could include testing other PPARγ agonists in PD models...