Oxidative stress and neurodegeneration: where are we now?

J Neurochem. 2006 Jun;97(6):1634-58. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.03907.x.

Abstract

The brain and nervous system are prone to oxidative stress, and are inadequately equipped with antioxidant defense systems to prevent 'ongoing' oxidative damage, let alone the extra oxidative damage imposed by the neurodegenerative diseases. Indeed, increased oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, accumulation of oxidized aggregated proteins, inflammation, and defects in protein clearance constitute complex intertwined pathologies that conspire to kill neurons. After a long lag period, therapeutic and other interventions based on a knowledge of redox biology are on the horizon for at least some of the neurodegenerative diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Energy Metabolism*
  • Free Radicals / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Mitochondria / physiology
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / drug therapy
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / pathology
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxidative Stress / physiology*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Free Radicals
  • Reactive Oxygen Species