Projects

It is suggested that some fruits, rich in ellagitannins, including pomegranate, may exert beneficial effects on the brain through metabolic derivatives. This project aims to search for mechanisms of potential neuroprotective action of a colonic microbiota metabolite of ellagitannins - urolithin A (UA). We study its impact on the mitochondrial dysfunctions involved in neurodegeneration associated with Parkinson's disease in a rotenone rat model. Moreover, we assess UA's effects on processes related to mitochondrial impairment, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, degeneration, and death of neurons, as well as clearance of damaged cellular organelles and macromolecules. The mechanistic studies are performed following the confirmation of the distribution of UA to the brain. Finally, the neuroprotective activity's effectiveness is validated by the microscopic examination of brain tissue and evaluation of the activity of dopaminergic and cholinergic systems as well as based on motor coordination and cognitive functions in rats. National Science Center, research grant No UMO-2017/26/D/NZ7/00748. Principal Investigator - Dr. Małgorzata Kujawska.