Caffeine reduces deficits in mechanosensation and locomotion induced by L-DOPA and protects dopaminergic neurons in a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model of Parkinson's disease.

Abstract

Context: L-DOPA is the first-line drug for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, chronic use can lead to dyskinesia. Caffeine, which is a known neuroprotectant, can potentially act as an adjunct to minimise adverse effects of L-DOPA.Objectives: This study determined changes in terms of neurodegeneration, locomotion and mechanosensation in Caenorhabditis elegans (Rhabditidae) strain UA57 overexpressing tyrosine hydroxylase (CAT-2) when treated with caffeine, L-DOPA or their combinations.Materials and methods: Neurodegeneration was monitored via fluorescence microscopy of GFP-tagged dopaminergic neurons in the head and tail regions of C. elegans (n = 20). Meanwhile, mechanosensation and locomotion under vehicle (0.1% DMSO), L-DOPA (60 mM), caffeine (10 mM) or 60 mM L-DOPA + 10 or 20 mM caffeine (60LC10 and 60LC20) treatments were scored for 3 days.Results: L-DOPA (60 mM) reduced CEP and ADE neurons by 4.3% on day 3, with a concomitant decrease in fluorescence by 44.6%. This correlated with reductions in gentle head (-35%) and nose touch (-40%) responses, but improved locomotion (20-75%) compared with vehicle alone. CEP and ADE neuron counts were preserved with caffeine (10 mM) or 60LC10 (98-100%), which correlated with improved mechanosensation (10-23%) and locomotion (18-76%). However, none of the treatments was able to preserve PDE neuron count, reducing the basal slowing response. Discussion and conclusions: Taken together, we show that caffeine can protect DAergic neurons and can reduce aberrant locomotion and loss of sensation when co-administered with L-DOPA, which can potentially impact PD treatment and warrants further investigation.