Introduction: α-synuclein (SNCA), a major component of Lewy body is a pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD). Mutations in the SNCA gene cause misfolding and aggregation of SNCA protein, which results in neurodegeneration. Several studies have established the neuroprotective benefits of β2-adrenoreceptor (β2AR) agonists in PD However, β2AR agonists are associated with peripheral side effects- tachycardia, palpitation, pulmonary edema, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac arrhythmia due to βARactivation in peripheral tissues. PD therapy with β2AR agonists, therefore, warrants a brain-specific delivery.
Area covered: This review highlights the SNCA mediated neurodegenerative pathways in PD and various treatment strategies under investigation to lower SNCA gene expression, primarily focusing on β2AR mediated pathway. The review also discusses the beneficial and side effects of β2AR agonists in PD treatment by reviewing clinical trials, epidemiological studies, and meta-analysis data. Here we depict the need to develop a novel drug delivery system to achieve brain-specific delivery of β2AR agonists to overcome peripheral side effects and also propose various nano delivery strategies to achieve the same.
Expert opinion: Brain targeted delivery of β2AR agonists via various nano delivery systems will significantly downregulate SNCA gene expression in PD and also overcomes peripheral side effects of β2AR agonists.
Keywords: blood-brain barrier (BBB); carbon Nanotubes (CNTs); parkinson’s disease (PD); polymeric Nanoparticles (PNPs); solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs); Α-synuclein (SNCA); β2-adrenoreceptor (β2AR) agonists.