Graduation Date

Fall 8-12-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Programs

Pharmaceutical Sciences

First Advisor

Dr. Howard E. Gendelman

Second Advisor

Dr. Susmita Sil

Abstract

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. Dopaminergic neuronal loss in the substantia nigra and the formation of Lewy bodies are the disease pathological hallmarks. We demonstrate that bovine colostrum extracellular vesicles (EVs) induce anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities during MPTP (methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) intoxication. Treatment these mice with colostrum EVs reduced the extent of activated microglia and neurodegenerative activities. RNA sequencing and transcriptomic analysis revealed a significant decrease in pro- inflammatory responses, as well as reduced recruitment and activation of immunocytes in affected brain tissues. Decreased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, as well as suppressed canonical inflammasomes, was also observed by EV treatment. All these changes were associated with downregulation of key immune- regulatory transcription factors, proteins, and receptors related to neuroinflammation. All factors highlight the therapeutic potential of colostrum EVs for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease.

Comments

2025 Copyright, the authors

Available for download on Tuesday, August 04, 2026

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