In Silico Analysis of Nicotine's Molecular Targets in Parkinson's Disease.

Purpose: we aimed to elucidate the molecular processes involved in how nicotine affects PD.

Methods: toxicogenomic, molecular mechanisms, physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetic profile, and biological activity were analyzed.

Results: We found that the therapeutic potential of nicotine in PD may be attributed to its ability to modulate the expression of 38 genes, especially GAPDH, TNF, IL6, and BDNF. The molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of nicotine against PD involve several pathways, including the "Parkinson's disease pathway", "the selenium micronutrient network", "the oxidative stress response", "dopamine binding", "Parkinsonian disorders", and "Lewy body disease". miRNAs like hsa-miRNA-203a-3p and miRNA-26b-5p and transcription factors like HNF4, MAPK3, and EVI1 explained how nicotine protects neurons from PD. An assessment was also carried out on drug candidates (polaprezinc) and miRNA sponges (hsa-miR-181a-5p, hsa-miR-124-3p, hsa-miR-1-3p) that may possess the capability to synergize the effects of nicotine. Nicotine's physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetic profile, and biological activity are conducive to its favorable attributes in the context of PD, including high gastrointestinal absorption, ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, non-P-glycoprotein nature, and antiparkinsonian effects.

Conclusion: Nicotine plays crucial roles in the pathophysiology of PD. Further work is needed to evaluate the impact of nicotine on non-motor symptoms.