Oxidative Stress in Neurodegenerative Diseases: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Applications

Abstract

Increasing numbers of individuals, particularly the elderly, suffer from neurodegenerative disorders. These diseases are normally characterized by progressive loss of neuron cells and compromised motor or cognitive function. Previous studies have proposed that the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may have complex roles in promoting the disease development. Research has shown that neuron cells are particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage due to their high polyunsaturated fatty acid content in membranes, high oxygen consumption, and weak antioxidant defense. However, the exact molecular pathogenesis of neurodegeneration related to the disturbance of redox balance remains unclear. Novel antioxidants have shown great potential in mediating disease phenotypes and could be an area of interest for further research. In this review, we provide an updated discussion on the roles of ROS in the pathological mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and spinocerebellar ataxia, as well as a highlight on the antioxidant-based therapies for alleviating disease severity.

Health benefits of resveratrol: Evidence from clinical studies

“…The most common neurodegenerative diseases where resveratrol has shown clinical potential are Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cognitive impairment. Numerous genes and pathways, including oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage, have been implicated in these diseases . Resveratrol plays a major role in neuroprotection by reducing oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chronic inflammation .…”

Eriodictyol alleviates lipopolysaccharide‐triggered oxidative stress and synaptic dysfunctions in BV‐2 microglial cells and mouse brain

“…Neurons in the brain have an extremely high risk of ROS production and oxidative damage because of their high oxygen consumption and energy production. Given that neurons are susceptible to ROS, it is not surprising that oxidative stress has been widely believed to be associated with the initiation and evolution of many neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD . Gonzalez‐Reyes et al suggested that the excessive production of oxidants by mitochondria result in the loss of brain homeostasis in AD patients.…”

A refractory head tremor appearing after volatile anesthesia combined with epidural anesthesia in a patient with spinocerebellar ataxia type 6

“…Second, oxidative stress from surgery or anesthesia might be related. It was suggested that patients with SCA have mitochondrial dysfunction, and a previous study found elevated oxidative stress and significant mitochondrial alternations in the Purkinje cells in patients with SCA1 [17]. Third, unrecorded changes such as hypotension, anemia, or anorexia during or after surgery, may damage the brain in manners that are not apparent with imaging.…”