Free Radicals, the Natural Antioxidant Buyang Huanwu Decoction and Ischemic Stroke

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONOxygen free radicals (OFR) are molecules containing one or more unpaired valence electrons, which makes it highly unstable, and result in the strong reaction and oxidation of DNA and lipids. OFR, including superoxide anion (O2 . -), hydroxyl radical ( . OH), nitric oxide (NO.) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are related to many neurological diseases and brain dysfunction. However, the presence of OFR is also crucial for electron transfer in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, the immune response and cell differentiation and growth. For instance, the NO free radical plays a key role in the relaxation of blood vessels, blood pressure regulation and during learning and memorization. Nevertheless, excessive free radicals can initiate lipid peroxidation and result in protein oxidation and DNA damage in cells, and are often implicated in diseases with high mortality rates, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases [1][2][3][4] . FREE RADICALS AND ISCHEMIC STROKEStroke can be divided into ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, with ischemic stroke being far more prevalent. There are generally only two treatments for ischemic stroke: increasing blood flow in order to improve oxygen and glucose uptake in the arteries, or protecting neurons in order to reduce the likelihood of brain ischemia and neuronal excitotoxicity. Neuroprotectants commonly used in clinical treatment include calcium channel blockers, glutamate receptor antagonists and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDA) antagonists. Research has shown that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia and that excessive ROS is produced during cerebral ischemia and ABSTRACTIschemic stroke is a widespread health issue worldwide, and a major cause of death and disability in an aging population. Research shows that reactive oxygen and free radicals generated by oxidative stress play an important role in cell apoptosis and often leads to stroke, one of the main causes of brain damage. Excessive free radicals also cause lipid peroxidation, leading to irreversible damage to cell membranes. The presence of free radical scavengers provides protection to brain tissues and can reduce the risk of stroke. Natural antioxidants have proved to be effective in the prevention and treatment of stroke, while also displaying fewer side effects. Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD), a traditional Chinese medicine prescription is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of ischemic cerebral stroke by inhibiting the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Understanding the role of free radicals and the mechanisms by which natural antioxidants are used for the prevention and treatment of stroke can provide new insight into the research and clinical treatment of ischemic stroke. © 2015 ACT. All rights reserved. International Journal of Neurology Researchreperfusion [1] . Studies have also suggested that oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals lead are key factors for triggerin...

Neurodevelopmental toxicity of bisphenol AF in zebrafish larvae and the protective effects of curcumin

“…Reactive oxygen and free radicals generated by oxidative stress play an important role in cell apoptosis and may lead to brain damage (Wo & Mao, 2015). In the present study, the TUNEL staining assay showed that BPAF induced significant cell apoptosis in larvae brain Oxidative stress can activate a variety of transcription factors, resulting in differential expression of genes involved in inflammatory pathways (Hussain et al, 2016).…”

“…Reactive oxygen and free radicals generated by oxidative stress play an important role in cell apoptosis and may lead to brain damage (Wo & Mao, 2015). In the present study, the TUNEL staining assay showed that BPAF induced significant cell apoptosis in larvae brain and treatment with CUR lightened BPAF‐induced cell apoptosis.…”