Transcriptome signatures of SU-Eohyeol pharmacopuncture (SUEHP) in an MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease animal model

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder for which no definitive cure currently exists. The disease is primarily characterized by motor symptoms such as muscle rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability, along with a range of non-motor symptoms including pain, depression, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairment. Given the absence of comprehensive therapeutic approaches that can effectively address both motor and non-motor manifestations of PD, we sought to investigate the potential therapeutic efficacy of SUEHP, a modality derived from traditional East Asian medicine. A mouse model of PD was established via administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), followed by SUEHP treatment administered twice weekly for a duration of two weeks. Based on compositional analysis of the pharmacopuncture formulation, cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) were identified as potential molecular targets. To assess their involvement, selective antagonists or inhibitors were co-administered. Transcriptomic analysis was subsequently conducted to characterize gene expression alterations associated with SUEHP treatment and to elucidate underlying mechanisms of action.