Chitosan and Its Derivatives as Potential Neuro-Protective Agents for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

Although Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurological disorder, it faces a lack of credible medications, treatments, and diagnostics. Many current conventional substances are designed as anti-Parkinson's drugs, but their poor brain transfer across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and bioavailability are a problem. Recently, chitosan (CTS) and its derivatives from arthropod exoskeletons have attracted much attention because of their neuroprotective effects and their ability to transport therapeutic substances across the BBB. CTS and its derivatives have the ability to inhibit apoptosis, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. In addition to these properties, CTS nanoparticles constitute a system for the controlled delivery of therapeutic molecules across the BBB. This chapter will focus on the neuroprotective effects of CTS and its derivatives and their applications in the delivery of certain therapeutic substances.