scholarly journals An Overview of Crucial Dietary Substances and Their Modes of Action for Prevention of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lea Pogačnik ◽  
Ajda Ota ◽  
Nataša Poklar Ulrih

Neurodegenerative diseases, namely Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, and multiple sclerosis are becoming one of the main health concerns due to the increasing aging of the world’s population. These diseases often share the same biological mechanisms, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and/or protein fibrillation. Recently, there have been many studies published pointing out the possibilities to reduce and postpone the clinical manifestation of these deadly diseases through lifelong consumption of some crucial dietary substances, among which phytochemicals (e.g., polyphenols) and endogenous substances (e.g., acetyl-L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10, n-3 poysaturated fatty acids) showed the most promising results. Another important issue that has been pointed out recently is the availability of these substances to the central nervous system, where they have to be present in high enough concentrations in order to exhibit their neuroprotective properties. As so, such the aim of this review is to summarize the recent findings regarding neuroprotective substances, their mechanisms of action, as well as to point out therapeutic considerations, including their bioavailability and safety for humans.

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerio Chiurchiù ◽  
Antonio Orlacchio ◽  
Mauro Maccarrone

The central nervous system is particularly sensitive to oxidative stress due to many reasons, including its high oxygen consumption even under basal conditions, high production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species from specific neurochemical reactions, and the increased deposition of metal ions in the brain with aging. For this reason, along with inflammation, oxidative stress seems to be one of the main inducers of neurodegeneration, causing excitotoxicity, neuronal loss, and axonal damage, ultimately being now considered a key element in the onset and progression of several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and hereditary spastic paraplegia. Thus, the present paper reviews the role of oxidative stress and of its mechanistic insights underlying the pathogenesis of these neurodegenerative diseases, with particular focus on current studies on its modulation as a potential and promising therapeutic strategy.


Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Cadiele Oliana Reichert ◽  
Debora Levy ◽  
Sergio P. Bydlowski

The human body has biological redox systems capable of preventing or mitigating the damage caused by increased oxidative stress throughout life. One of them are the paraoxonase (PON) enzymes. The PONs genetic cluster is made up of three members (PON1, PON2, PON3) that share a structural homology, located adjacent to chromosome seven. The most studied enzyme is PON1, which is associated with high density lipoprotein (HDL), having paraoxonase, arylesterase and lactonase activities. Due to these characteristics, the enzyme PON1 has been associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Here we update the knowledge about the association of PON enzymes and their polymorphisms and the development of multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD).


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyuk Sung Kwon ◽  
Seong-Ho Koh

AbstractNeuroinflammation is associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Microglia and astrocytes are key regulators of inflammatory responses in the central nervous system. The activation of microglia and astrocytes is heterogeneous and traditionally categorized as neurotoxic (M1-phenotype microglia and A1-phenotype astrocytes) or neuroprotective (M2-phenotype microglia and A2-phenotype astrocytes). However, this dichotomized classification may not reflect the various phenotypes of microglia and astrocytes. The relationship between these activated glial cells is also very complicated, and the phenotypic distribution can change, based on the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. A better understanding of the roles of microglia and astrocytes in neurodegenerative diseases is essential for developing effective therapies. In this review, we discuss the roles of inflammatory response in neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on the contributions of microglia and astrocytes and their relationship. In addition, we discuss biomarkers to measure neuroinflammation and studies on therapeutic drugs that can modulate neuroinflammation.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizaveta I. Ustyantseva ◽  
Suren M. Zakian ◽  
Sergey P. Medvedev

ABSTRACTBackgroundOxidative stress plays an important role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases: it either can be the initiator or part of a pathological cascade leading to the neuron’s death. Although a lot of methods are known for oxidative stress study, most of them operate on non-native cellular substrates or interfere with the cell functioning. Genetically encoded (GE) biosensors of oxidative stress demonstrated their general functionality and overall safety in various live systems. However, there is still insufficient data regarding their use for research of disease-related phenotypes in relevant model systems, such as human cells.MethodsWe applied CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to introduce mutations (c.272A>C and c.382G>C) in the associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis SOD1 gene of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) obtained from a healthy individual. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we modified these mutant iPSC lines, as well as the parental iPSC line, and a patient-specific SOD1D91A/D91A iPSC line with ratiometric GE biosensors of cytoplasmic (Cyto-roGFP2-Orp1) and mitochondrial (Mito-roGFP2-Orp1) H2O2. The biosensors sequences along with a specific transactivator for doxycycline-controllable expression were inserted in the “safe harbor” AAVS1 (adeno-associated virus site 1) locus. We differentiated these transgenic iPSCs into motor neurons and investigated the functionality of the biosensors in such a system. We measured relative oxidation in the cultured motor neurons and its dependence on culture conditions, age, and genotype, as well as kinetics of H2O2 elimination in real-time.ResultsWe developed a cell-based platform consisting of isogenic iPSC lines with different genotypes associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The iPSC lines were modified with GE biosensors of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial H2O2. We provide proof-of-principle data showing that this approach may be suitable for monitoring oxidative stress in cell models of various neurodegenerative diseases as the biosensors reflect the redox state of neurons.ConclusionWe found that the GE biosensors inserted in the AAVS1 locus remain functional in motor neurons and reflect pathological features of mutant motor neurons, although the readout largely depends on the severity of the mutation.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Amir Mohammadi ◽  
Abasalt Hosseinzadeh Colagar ◽  
Ayeh Khorshidian ◽  
Seyed Mohammad Amini

Progressive abnormality and loss of axons and neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) cause neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Protein misfolding and its collection are the most important pathological features of NDs. Astrocytes are the most plentiful cells in the mammalian CNS (about 20–40% of the human brain) and have several central functions in the maintenance of the health and correct function of the CNS. Astrocytes have an essential role in the preservation of brain homeostasis, and it is not surprising that these multifunctional cells have been implicated in the onset and progression of several NDs. Thus, they become an exciting target for the study of NDs. Over almost 15 years, it was revealed that curcumin has several therapeutic effects in a wide variety of diseases’ treatment. Curcumin is a valuable ingredient present in turmeric spice and has several essential roles, including those which are anticarcinogenic, hepatoprotective, thrombosuppressive, cardioprotective, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, chemopreventive, chemotherapeutic, and anti-infectious. Furthermore, curcumin can suppress inflammation; promote angiogenesis; and treat diabetes, pulmonary problems, and neurological dysfunction. Here, we review the effects of curcumin on astrocytes in NDs, with a focus on Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple scleroses, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaomin Huang ◽  
Yixun Su ◽  
Nan Wang ◽  
Hui Li ◽  
Zhigang Li ◽  
...  

Astrocytes play a crucial role in the maintenance of the normal functions of the Central Nervous System (CNS). During the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, astrocytes undergo morphological and functional remodeling, a process called reactive astrogliosis, in response to the insults to the CNS. One of the key aspects of the reactive astrocytes is the change in the expression and function of connexins. Connexins are channel proteins that highly expressed in astrocytes, forming gap junction channels and hemichannels, allowing diffusional trafficking of small molecules. Alterations of astrocytic connexin expression and function found in neurodegenerative diseases have been shown to affect the disease progression by changing neuronal function and survival. In this review, we will summarize the role of astroglial connexins in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Also, we will discuss why targeting connexins can be a plausible therapeutic strategy to manage these neurodegenerative diseases.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roman Fischer ◽  
Olaf Maier

Neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction are common features of chronic neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system. Both conditions can lead to increased oxidative stress by excessive release of harmful reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS), which further promote neuronal damage and subsequent inflammation resulting in a feed-forward loop of neurodegeneration. The cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a master regulator of the immune system, plays an important role in the propagation of inflammation due to the activation and recruitment of immune cells via its receptor TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1). Moreover, TNFR1 can directly induce oxidative stress by the activation of ROS and RNS producing enzymes. Both TNF-induced oxidative stress and inflammation interact and cooperate to promote neurodegeneration. However, TNF plays a dual role in neurodegenerative disease, since stimulation via its second receptor, TNFR2, is neuroprotective and promotes tissue regeneration. Here we review the interrelation of oxidative stress and inflammation in the two major chronic neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and discuss the dual role of TNF in promoting neurodegeneration and tissue regeneration via its two receptors.


Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 150
Author(s):  
Shofiul Azam ◽  
Md. Ezazul Haque ◽  
In-Su Kim ◽  
Dong-Kug Choi

Microglia are brain-dwelling macrophages and major parts of the neuroimmune system that broadly contribute to brain development, homeostasis, ageing and injury repair in the central nervous system (CNS). Apart from other brain macrophages, they have the ability to constantly sense changes in the brain’s microenvironment, functioning as housekeepers for neuronal well-being and providing neuroprotection in normal physiology. Microglia use a set of genes for these functions that involve proinflammatory cytokines. In response to specific stimuli, they release these proinflammatory cytokines, which can damage and kill neurons via neuroinflammation. However, alterations in microglial functioning are a common pathophysiology in age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and prion diseases, as well as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. When their sentinel or housekeeping functions are severely disrupted, they aggravate neuropathological conditions by overstimulating their defensive function and through neuroinflammation. Several pathways are involved in microglial functioning, including the Trem2, Cx3cr1 and progranulin pathways, which keep the microglial inflammatory response under control and promote clearance of injurious stimuli. Over time, an imbalance in this system leads to protective microglia becoming detrimental, initiating or exacerbating neurodegeneration. Correcting such imbalances might be a potential mode of therapeutic intervention in neurodegenerative diseases.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (14) ◽  
pp. 7432
Author(s):  
Tapan Behl ◽  
Rashita Makkar ◽  
Aayush Sehgal ◽  
Sukhbir Singh ◽  
Neelam Sharma ◽  
...  

The human body is highly complex and comprises a variety of living cells and extracellular material, which forms tissues, organs, and organ systems. Human cells tend to turn over readily to maintain homeostasis in tissues. However, postmitotic nerve cells exceptionally have an ability to regenerate and be sustained for the entire life of an individual, to safeguard the physiological functioning of the central nervous system. For efficient functioning of the CNS, neuronal death is essential, but extreme loss of neurons diminishes the functioning of the nervous system and leads to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. Neurodegenerative diseases range from acute to chronic severe life-altering conditions like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Millions of individuals worldwide are suffering from neurodegenerative disorders with little or negligible treatment available, thereby leading to a decline in their quality of life. Neuropathological studies have identified a series of factors that explain the etiology of neuronal degradation and its progression in neurodegenerative disease. The onset of neurological diseases depends on a combination of factors that causes a disruption of neurons, such as environmental, biological, physiological, and genetic factors. The current review highlights some of the major pathological factors responsible for neuronal degradation, such as oxidative stress, cell death, and neuroinflammation. All these factors have been described in detail to enhance the understanding of their mechanisms and target them for disease management.


Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 1667
Author(s):  
Takashi Hosaka ◽  
Hiroshi Tsuji ◽  
Akira Tamaoka

Reduction–oxidation reactions are essential to cellular homeostasis. Oxidative stress transcends physiological antioxidative system damage to biomolecules, including nucleic acids and proteins, and modifies their structures. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common adult-onset motor neuron disease. The cells present in the central nervous system, including motor neurons, are vulnerable to oxidative stress. Neurodegeneration has been demonstrated to be caused by oxidative biomolecular modifications. Oxidative stress has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of ALS. Recent progress in research on the underlying mechanisms of oxidative stress in ALS has led to the development of disease-modifying therapies, including edaravone. However, the clinical effects of edaravone remain limited, and ALS is a heretofore incurable disease. The reason for the lack of reliable biomarkers and the precise underlying mechanisms between oxidative stress and ALS remain unclear. As extracellular proteins and RNAs present in body fluids and represent intracellular pathological neurodegenerative processes, extracellular proteins and/or RNAs are predicted to promise diagnosis, prediction of disease course, and therapeutic biomarkers for ALS. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms between oxidative stress and ALS, and promising biomarkers indicating the mechanism to determine whether therapy targeting oxidative stress can be fundamental for ALS.


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