Bone Marrow Stem Cell Therapy in Combination with Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Improves Manifestations of Parkinson Disease in Rat Models

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative motor control disorder and the second most debilitating disease of the nervous system, this disease mainly characterized by four specific symptoms: hands and feet tremor in rest, slowness of movement or bradykinesia, poor balance and stiffness in limbs. Propolis is a waxy substance produced by bees. It has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, antioxidantand anti-inflammatory properties. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is one of Propolis compounds which exerts an antioxidant compound. Stem cells have the capability to self-renew and differentiate to all types of cells, including blood, nervous and cartilage cells. Materialsand Methods: In this study, the effect of CAPE and bone marrow stem cells in rat model of Parkinson disease were evaluated. Adult male albino Wistar rat weighing 200- 250 g were procured from the animal center of Semnan University of Medical Sciences. Rats were randomlydivided into 6 groups (n=7). Rats were treated by intranasal administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). In this study PD rats were examined against the therapeutic groups that received CAPE and bone marrow stem cells. Results: Our studyconfirmed that intranasal administration of MPTP cause dopaminergic neuron reduction in substantia nigra. By intra peritoneal administration of CAPE (10 μM) and injection of 2× bone marrow stem cell, number of dopaminergic neuron increased, number of apoptotic neurons decreased and behavioral symptoms of rats were improved. Conclusions: Our data provide evidence, that bone marrow stem cells and pretreatment with CAPE, is beneficial treatment for Parkinson disease.