scholarly journals Natural Phytochemicals as Novel Therapeutic Strategies to Prevent and Treat Parkinson’s Disease: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-32
Author(s):  
Rengasamy Balakrishnan ◽  
Shofiul Azam ◽  
Duk-Yeon Cho ◽  
In Su-Kim ◽  
Dong-Kug Choi

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative chronic disease affecting both cognitive performance and motor functions in aged people. Yet despite the prevalence of this disease, the current therapeutic options for the management of PD can only alleviate motor symptoms. Research has explored novel substances for naturally derived antioxidant phytochemicals with potential therapeutic benefits for PD patients through their neuroprotective mechanism, targeting oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, abnormal protein accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, neurotrophic factor deficit, and apoptosis. The aim of the present study is to perform a comprehensive evaluation of naturally derived antioxidant phytochemicals with neuroprotective or therapeutic activities in PD, focusing on their neuropharmacological mechanisms, including modulation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, growth factor induction, neurotransmitter activity, direct regulation of mitochondrial apoptotic machinery, prevention of protein aggregation via modulation of protein folding, modification of cell signaling pathways, enhanced systemic immunity, autophagy, and proteasome activity. In addition, we provide data showing the relationship between nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and PD is supported by studies demonstrating that antiparkinsonian phytochemicals can activate the Nrf2/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway and Nrf2-dependent protein expression, preventing cellular oxidative damage and PD. Furthermore, we explore several experimental models that evaluated the potential neuroprotective efficacy of antioxidant phytochemical derivatives for their inhibitory effects on oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the brain. Finally, we highlight recent developments in the nanodelivery of antioxidant phytochemicals and its neuroprotective application against pathological conditions associated with oxidative stress. In conclusion, naturally derived antioxidant phytochemicals can be considered as future pharmaceutical drug candidates to potentially alleviate symptoms or slow the progression of PD. However, further well-designed clinical studies are required to evaluate the protective and therapeutic benefits of phytochemicals as promising drugs in the management of PD.

Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tae Yeon Kim ◽  
Eunju Leem ◽  
Jae Man Lee ◽  
Sang Ryong Kim

Oxidative stress reflects an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defense systems, and it can be associated with the pathogenesis and progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease (PD). The application of antioxidants, which can defend against oxidative stress, is able to detoxify the reactive intermediates and prevent neurodegeneration resulting from excessive ROS production. There are many reports showing that numerous flavonoids, a large group of natural phenolic compounds, can act as antioxidants and the application of flavonoids has beneficial effects in the adult brain. For instance, it is well known that the long-term consumption of the green tea-derived flavonoids catechin and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) can attenuate the onset of PD. Also, flavonoids such as ampelopsin and pinocembrin can inhibit mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal death through the regulation of gene expression of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. Additionally, it is well established that many flavonoids exhibit anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammatory effects through cellular signaling pathways, such as those involving (ERK), glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), and (Akt), resulting in neuroprotection. In this review article, we have described the oxidative stress involved in PD and explained the therapeutic potential of flavonoids to protect the nigrostriatal DA system, which may be useful to prevent PD.


2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 2091-2104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Xu ◽  
Deyu Zheng ◽  
Yuanyuan Liu ◽  
Ji Li ◽  
Li Yang ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease in the old population, characterized by dopaminergic neuron loss, inflammation and oxidative stress injury in the substantia nigra. Glaucocalyxin B (GLB), an ent-kauranoid diterpenoid isolated from Rabdosia japonica, has anti-inflammation and anti-tumor effects. However, its effects on PD remain unclear. Methods: PD was introduced in rats via injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into cerebral corpus striatum, and GLB was given intracerebroventricularly to these rats. Their walking, climbing and sensory states were detected by Stepping, Whisker and Cylinder Tests. The expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), CD11b and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule (IBA)-1 were detected by immunohischemical staining. The levels of a series of inflammatory factors, oxidative stress-related factors and apoptosis-related factors were measured by real-time PCR, immunoblotting and ELISA. In addition, Toll-like receptor (TLR)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase (HO)-1 pathways were investigated to illustrate the underlying mechanism. In vitro, microglial cells exposed to LPS were treated with GLB. Results: The injection of LPS caused walking, climbing and sensory disturbances in rats, induced inflammation, oxidative stress response and apoptosis, and activated TLR/NF-κB and Nrf2/ HO-1 pathways in the cerebral tissue. GLB administration attenuated LPS-induced alterations. The TLR/NF-κB pathway was deactivated and Nrf2/HO-1 was activated after application of GLB. In vitro, cytotoxic effects induced by the conditioned medium derived from microglial cells exposed to LPS in PC12 cells were attenuated by GLB. Conclusion: GLB suppresses LPS-induced PD symptoms by modification of TLR/NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways in vivo and in vitro.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhupesh Vaidya ◽  
Harpinder Kaur ◽  
Pavan Thapak ◽  
Shyam Sunder Sharma ◽  
Jitendra N Singh

Abstract Transient receptor potential melastatin-2 (TRPM2) channels are cation channels activated by oxidative stress and adenosine di-phosphate ribose (ADPR). Role of TRPM2 channels has been postulated in several neurological disorders, but, it has not been explored in animal models of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Thus, the role of TRPM2 and its associated poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) signalling pathways were investigated in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD rat model using TRPM2 inhibitor, 2-aminoethyl diphenyl borinate (2-APB) and PARP inhibitor, N-(6-Oxo-5,6-dihydrophenanthridin-2-yl)-(N,N-dimethylamino) acetamide hydrochloride (PJ-34). PD was induced by using a bilateral intranigral administration of MPTP in Sprague-Dawley rats, and different parameters were evaluated. An increase in the oxidative stress was observed, leading to the locomotor and cognitive deficits in the PD rats. PD rats also showed an increased TRPM2 expression in striatum and mid brain accompanied by reduced expression of tyrosine-hydroxylase (TH) in comparison to sham animals. Intraperitoneal administration of 2-aminoethyl diphenyl borinate (2-APB) and N-(6-Oxo-5,6-dihydrophenanthridin-2-yl)-(N,N-dimethylamino) acetamide hydrochloride (PJ-34) led to an improvement in the locomotor and cognitive deficits in comparison to MPTP-induced PD rats. These improvements were accompanied by a reduction in the levels of oxidative stress and an increase in TH levels in striatum and mid brain. In addition, these pharmacological interventions also led to a decrease in the expression of TRPM2 in PD in striatum and mid brain. Our results provide a rationale for the development of potent pharmacological agents targeting TRPM2-PARP pathway to provide therapeutic benefits for the treatment of neurological disease like PD.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (18) ◽  
pp. 5558
Author(s):  
Juan Chen ◽  
Yixuan Chen ◽  
Yangfan Zheng ◽  
Jiawen Zhao ◽  
Huilin Yu ◽  
...  

This research assessed the molecular mechanism of procyanidins (PCs) against neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and its metabolite 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) induced Parkinson’s disease (PD) models. In vitro, PC12 cells were incubated with PCs or deprenyl for 24 h, and then exposed to 1.5 mM MPP+ for 24 h. In vivo, zebrafish larvae (AB strain) 3 days post-fertilization (dpf) were incubated with deprenyl or PCs in 400 μM MPTP for 4 days. Compared with MPP+/MPTP alone, PCs significantly improved antioxidant activities (e.g., glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT)), and decreased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, PCs significantly increased nuclear Nrf2 accumulation in PC12 cells and raised the expression of NQO1, HO-1, GCLM, and GCLC in both PC12 cells and zebrafish compared to MPP+/MPTP alone. The current study shows that PCs have neuroprotective effects, activate the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway and alleviate oxidative damage in MPP+/MPTP-induced PD models.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross B. Mounsey ◽  
Peter Teismann

Iron is an essential element in the metabolism of all cells. Elevated levels of the metal have been found in the brains of patients of numerous neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD). The pathogenesis of PD is largely unknown, although it is thought through studies with experimental models that oxidative stress and dysfunction of brain iron homeostasis, usually a tightly regulated process, play significant roles in the death of dopaminergic neurons. Accumulation of iron is present at affected neurons and associated microglia in the substantia nigra of PD patients. This additional free-iron has the capacity to generate reactive oxygen species, promote the aggregation ofα-synuclein protein, and exacerbate or even cause neurodegeneration. There are various treatments aimed at reversing this pathologic increase in iron content, comprising both synthetic and natural iron chelators. These include established drugs, which have been used to treat other disorders related to iron accumulation. This paper will discuss how iron dysregulation occurs and the link between increased iron and oxidative stress in PD, including the mechanism by which these processes lead to cell death, before assessing the current pharmacotherapies aimed at restoring normal iron redox and new chelation strategies undergoing research.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kemal Ugur Tufekci ◽  
Ezgi Civi Bayin ◽  
Sermin Genc ◽  
Kursad Genc

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a prominent feature of various neurodegenerative diseases as strict regulation of integrated mitochondrial functions is essential for neuronal signaling, plasticity, and transmitter release. Many lines of evidence suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a central role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Several PD-associated genes interface with mitochondrial dynamics regulating the structure and function of the mitochondrial network. Mitochondrial dysfunction can induce neuron death through a plethora of mechanisms. Both mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation, a common denominator of PD, lead to an increased production of reactive oxygen species, which are detrimental to neurons. The transcription factor nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2, NFE2L2) is an emerging target to counteract mitochondrial dysfunction and its consequences in PD. Nrf2 activates the antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway, including a battery of cytoprotective genes such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory genes and several transcription factors involved in mitochondrial biogenesis. Here, the current knowledge about the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in PD, Nrf2/ARE stress-response mechanisms, and the evidence for specific links between this pathway and PD are summarized. The neuroprotection of nigral dopaminergic neurons by the activation of Nrf2 through several inducers in PD is also emphasized as a promising therapeutic approach.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camille Audousset ◽  
Toby McGovern ◽  
James G. Martin

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a major transcription factor involved in redox homeostasis and in the response induced by oxidative injury. Nrf2 is present in an inactive state in the cytoplasm of cells. Its activation by internal or external stimuli, such as infections or pollution, leads to the transcription of more than 500 elements through its binding to the antioxidant response element. The lungs are particularly susceptible to factors that generate oxidative stress such as infections, allergens and hyperoxia. Nrf2 has a crucial protective role against these ROS. Oxidative stress and subsequent activation of Nrf2 have been demonstrated in many human respiratory diseases affecting the airways, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or the pulmonary parenchyma such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and pulmonary fibrosis. Several compounds, both naturally occurring and synthetic, have been identified as Nrf2 inducers and enhance the activation of Nrf2 and expression of Nrf2-dependent genes. These inducers have proven particularly effective at reducing the severity of the oxidative stress-driven lung injury in various animal models. In humans, these compounds offer promise as potential therapeutic strategies for the management of respiratory pathologies associated with oxidative stress but there is thus far little evidence of efficacy through human trials. The purpose of this review is to summarize the involvement of Nrf2 and its inducers in ARDS, COPD, asthma and lung fibrosis in both human and in experimental models.


Author(s):  
Georgia Minakaki ◽  
Dimitri Krainc ◽  
Lena F. Burbulla

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, characterized by progressive bradykinesia, rigidity, resting tremor, and gait impairment, as well as a spectrum of non-motor symptoms including autonomic and cognitive dysfunction. The cardinal motor symptoms of PD stem from the loss of substantia nigra (SN) dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons, and it remains unclear why SN DAergic neurons are preferentially lost in PD. However, recent identification of several genetic PD forms suggests that mitochondrial and lysosomal dysfunctions play important roles in the degeneration of midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons. In this review, we discuss the interplay of cell-autonomous mechanisms linked to DAergic neuron vulnerability and alpha-synuclein homeostasis. Emerging studies highlight a deleterious feedback cycle, with oxidative stress, altered DA metabolism, dysfunctional lysosomes, and pathological alpha-synuclein species representing key events in the pathogenesis of PD. We also discuss the interactions of alpha-synuclein with toxic DA metabolites, as well as the biochemical links between intracellular iron, calcium, and alpha-synuclein accumulation. We suggest that targeting multiple pathways, rather than individual processes, will be important for developing disease-modifying therapies. In this context, we focus on current translational efforts specifically targeting lysosomal function, as well as oxidative stress via calcium and iron modulation. These efforts could have therapeutic benefits for the broader population of sporadic PD and related synucleinopathies.


Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 902 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ikram ◽  
Tae Ju Park ◽  
Tahir Ali ◽  
Myeong Ok Kim

This paper reviews the results of studies conducted on the role of caffeine in the management of different neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). To highlight the potential role of caffeine in managing different neurodegenerative diseases, we identified studies by searching PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar by scrutinizing the lists of pertinent publications. According to the collected overall findings, caffeine may reduce the elevated oxidative stress; inhibit the activation of adenosine A2A, thereby regulating the accumulation of Aβ; reduce the hyperphosphorylation of tau; and reduce the accumulation of misfolded proteins, such as α-synuclein, in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The studies have suggested that caffeine has promising protective effects against different neurodegenerative diseases and that these effects may be used to tackle the neurological diseases and/or their consequences. Here, we review the ongoing research on the role of caffeine in the management of different neurodegenerative disorders, focusing on AD and PD. The current findings suggest that caffeine produces potent antioxidant, inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects against different models of neurodegenerative disease, including AD, PD, and other neurodegenerative disorders. Caffeine has shown strong antagonistic effects against the adenosine A2A receptor, which is a microglial receptor, and strong agonistic effects against nuclear-related factor-2 (Nrf-2), thereby regulating the cellular homeostasis at the brain by reducing oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, regulating the accumulation of α-synuclein in PD and tau hyperphosphorylation, amyloidogenesis, and synaptic deficits in AD, which are the cardinal features of these neurodegenerative diseases.


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