مقالات پذیرفته شده در نهمین کنگره بین المللی زیست پزشکی
Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound in Parkinson’s Disease”
Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound in Parkinson’s Disease”
Armina Barahmand,1Maryam Aschari,2,*
2. Department of medical laboratory , alborz University of medical science , karaj, Iran
Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a widespread neurodegenerative condition that poses a significant healthcare challenge. Standard therapies such as levodopa, deep brain stimulation (DBS), and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) mainly provide symptomatic relief without altering the disease course. Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU), however, differs from HIFU by being non-destructive, reversible, and safe. It is capable of modulating neural activity and enhancing neurotrophic signaling, making it an emerging area of investigation for PD treatment.
Methods: Preclinical studies have highlighted several ways in which LIFU benefits PD models:
• Neuromodulation and trophic effects: LIFU increases the release of neurotrophic proteins such as BDNF and GDNF, which support dopaminergic neuron survival.
• Control of neuroinflammation: It influences microglial function, decreasing harmful inflammatory responses while boosting protective cytokines.
• Reduction of oxidative stress: By lowering reactive oxygen species and enhancing mitochondrial performance, LIFU helps protect vulnerable neurons.
• Repair and regeneration: Animal experiments suggest LIFU can stimulate neurogenesis, axonal repair, and functional improvement.
Results: One of LIFU’s most promising features is its ability to temporarily open the blood–brain barrier (BBB) when combined with microbubbles. This allows direct delivery of therapeutic agents—including growth factors, nanoparticles, and viral vectors—into brain regions such as the striatum and substantia nigra. This capability addresses a longstanding challenge in PD treatment: the difficulty of efficiently transporting drugs into the central nervous system.
Conclusion: LIFU is emerging as a non-invasive therapeutic strategy with considerable potential for Parkinson’s disease. Its combined effects on neuromodulation, neuroprotection, and drug delivery make it a strong candidate to complement or replace some current treatments. Nevertheless, additional clinical research is necessary to optimize ultrasound settings, confirm safety over the long term, and establish its clinical effectiveness. The next decade will be crucial for moving from experimental models to real-world applications in patient care.