Chitosan-based nanoparticles for targeted delivery of 17β-estradiol to enhance SIRT1-mediated autophagy and mitigate rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease

Key Points

• The aim is to explore the effectiveness of chitosan-based nanoparticles for delivering 17β-estradiol to neurons to promote autophagy and protect against Parkinson's disease.
• Developed DRD3-targeted chitosan nanoparticles for targeted delivery.
• Administered 17β-estradiol to dopaminergic neurons using these nanoparticles.
• Assessed effects on apoptosis through caspase-3 inhibition and autophagy activation via SIRT1.
• Nanoparticle treatment significantly reduced caspase-3 activity, inhibiting apoptosis.
• Enhanced SIRT1-mediated autophagy was observed in treated neurons.
• Restoration of TH+ neurons was achieved, indicating improved neuronal survival.