Additionally, it has been indicated that simvastatin mediates a protective effect on dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra compacta in the LPS-PD model, possibly by promoting neuronal repair and regeneration through the induction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and by inhibiting oxidative stress, thus improving substantia nigra function. The gene discussed is BDNF; the disease is Parkinson disease.