2019-08-222019-08-222015-032015-03-04https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12503/26572Hypothesis: We hypothesize that under oxidative stress conditions, the androgen, testosterone, will increase COX2 induced alpha-synuclein expression, leading to apoptosis in dopamine neurons. Materials and Methods: To test our hypothesis, we exposed a dopaminergic cell line (N27 cells) to a sublethal concentration of the pro-oxidant, tert-butyl hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 24 hours and assessed the role of testosterone on COX2 signaling. Results: Under low oxidative stress conditions, COX2 protein levels are low and alpha-synuclein expression and apoptosis are absent. However, under oxidative stress conditions, COX2, alpha synuclein, and apoptosis were increased, and these factors were exacerbated by testosterone. Conclusion: Our data shows that androgens may mediate the gender differences observed in PD by activating COX2 mediated inflammation and oxidative stress in dopamine neurons.enoral