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Changes in the mitochondrial antioxidant systems in neurodegenerative diseases and acute brain disorders

Joanna Ruszkiewicz1, Jan Albrecht1

  • 1Department of Neurotoxicology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland.

Neurochemistry International
|January 11, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Mitochondrial antioxidant systems, like SOD2 and GSH, are crucial for brain health. Their altered function is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Oxidative and nitrosative stress (ONS) are key factors in brain disease pathogenesis.
  • Cellular antioxidants neutralize reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS).
  • Major antioxidants include superoxide dismutases (SODs), glutathione (GSH), thioredoxin (Trx), and peroxiredoxin (Prx).

Purpose of the Study:

  • This review focuses on the role of mitochondrial antioxidant systems in brain health and disease.
  • It highlights the importance of mitochondrial SOD2 and GSH in cellular defense.
  • The review examines alterations in these systems in various neurological conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on mitochondrial antioxidant systems.
  • Analysis of studies involving human patients and animal models of neurological diseases.
  • Examination of the impact of toxins and ischemia on brain antioxidant defenses.

Main Results:

  • Mitochondrial SOD2 and GSH are critical for antioxidant defense in the brain.
  • Dysregulation of mitochondrial antioxidant systems is observed in neurodegenerative diseases, cerebral ischemia, and toxic brain injury.
  • The precise impact (beneficial or detrimental) of these changes requires further evaluation.

Conclusions:

  • Mitochondrial antioxidant systems play a vital role in protecting the brain from oxidative and nitrosative stress.
  • Aberrant function of these systems is linked to various brain pathologies.
  • Targeting mitochondrial antioxidant systems presents a potential therapeutic strategy for brain disorders.
Keywords:
GlutathioneMitochondriaOxidative stressPeroxiredoxinSuperoxide dismutaseThioredoxin

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