Neuroprotective effects of farnesol on motor and cognitive impairment against 3-nitropropionic acid-induced Huntington’s disease

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of farnesol as a potential neuroprotective agent against 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) acid induced Huntington’s disease (HD) by in-vitro, in-vivo and in-silico models. 3-NP acid induced Huntington’s disease in male Wistar rats was used to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of farnesol. 3-NP (10 mg/kg/day) was used for induction of disease followed by treatment with 50 mg/kg & 100 mg/kg of farnesol for 7 days. The effect of farnesol on motor symptoms was evaluated using actophotometer and rotarod apparatus and effect of farnesol on learning and memory was evaluated using elevated plus maze apparatus. Body weight of animals showed significant gain after treatment with farnesol. Animals showed a significant improvement in locomotor activity, grip strength and transfer latency after treatment with farnesol compared to disease control. Animals treated with farnesol significantly attenuated 3-NP-induced alterations in the levels of nitrite and reduced glutathione (GSH) level. The binding affinity of farnesol and the standard dimethyl fumarate was found to be -6.1 kcal/mol and -4.6 kcal/mol. Based on the effect of farnesol on neurobehavioral and biochemical parameters in 3-NP acid induced Huntington’s disease, we conclude that farnesol is effective against 3-NP acid induced Huntington’s disease in male Wistar rats.