Cannabidiol Protects Against 1‐Methyl‐4‐Phenylpyridinium and Manganese‐Induced Neurotoxicity via Nod‐Like Receptor Protein 3 Inflammasome Suppression

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopaminergic neurodegeneration, alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) accumulation, and neuroinflammation. The NOD-Like Receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain containing 3 NLRP3 inflammasome has recently been identified as a central mediator of PD-associated inflammatory responses. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid, exhibits anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties; however, its effects on NLRP3 inflammasome in PD remain insufficiently understood. This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of CBD-rich oil against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) and manganese-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Cells were exposed to these substances with or without CBD co-treatment, and cell viability, α-Syn, dopamine, inflammatory markers [C reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 18 (IL-18)], and NLRP3 expressions were evaluated. MPP+ and manganese exposures significantly decreased cell viability and dopamine levels while increasing α-Syn accumulation and inflammatory markers. Manganese induced an approximately twofold upregulation in NLRP3 mRNA and 1.5-fold increase in protein expression. CBD co-treatment preserved dopamine levels, attenuated α-Syn accumulation, reduced IL-18 and CRP concentrations, and attenuated NLRP3 expression. These findings demonstrate that CBD-rich oil exerts neuroprotective effects in a PD cellular model by attenuating α-Syn accumulation, preserving dopamine homeostasis, which is associated with reduced NLRP3 expression and potential modulation of inflammasome-related signaling, supporting further investigation of CBD as a potential therapeutic strategy for PD.