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Published on: July 31, 2017
The mechanism of neuroprotective action of natural compounds
Agnieszka Wąsik1, Lucyna Antkiewicz-Michaluk1
1Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Neurochemistry, Kraków, Poland.
Abstract:
Disturbance of cerebral redox homeostasis is the primary cause of human neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease. Well known experimental research demonstrates that oxidative stress is a main cause of cell death. A high concentration of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species leads to damage of a lot of proteins, lipids and also DNA. Synthetic compounds used for the treatment in the neurodegenerative diseases failed to meet the hopes they had raised and often exhibit a number of side effects. Therefore, in recent years interest in natural compounds derived from plants appears to be on the rise. This review describes a few natural compounds (1MeTIQ, resveratrol, curcumin, vitamin C and Gingko biloba) which revealed neuroprotective potential both in experimental studies and clinical trials. 1MeTIQ has a privileged position because, as opposed to the remaining compounds, it is an endogenous amine synthesized in human and animal brain. Based on evidence from research, it seems that a common protective mechanism for all the above-mentioned natural compounds relies on their ability to inhibit or even scavenge the excess of free radicals generated in oxidative and neurotoxin-induced processes in nerve cells of the brain. However, it was demonstrated that further different molecular processes connected with neurotoxicity (e.g. the inhibition of mitochondrial complex I, activation of caspase-3, apoptosis) follow later and are initiated by the reactive oxygen species. What is more, these natural compounds are able to inhibit further stages of apoptosis triggered by neurotoxins in the brain.
Insights
Natural compounds like resveratrol and curcumin show neuroprotective potential against oxidative stress, a key factor in neurodegenerative diseases. These substances may offer safer alternatives to synthetic drugs by scavenging free radicals and inhibiting cell death pathways.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Disturbed cerebral redox homeostasis and oxidative stress are primary causes of neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
- Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species cause cellular damage, leading to neuronal death.
- Conventional synthetic treatments for neurodegenerative diseases often have limited efficacy and side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review natural compounds with demonstrated neuroprotective potential.
- To explore the mechanisms of action for these natural compounds in combating neurotoxicity.
- To highlight the advantages of natural compounds over synthetic drugs for neurodegenerative disease treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental studies and clinical trials on natural compounds.
- Analysis of research demonstrating the effects of natural compounds on oxidative stress and apoptosis.
- Comparison of the neuroprotective mechanisms of various natural compounds, including endogenous 1MeTIQ, resveratrol, curcumin, vitamin C, and Ginkgo biloba.
Main Results:
- Several natural compounds, including 1MeTIQ, resveratrol, curcumin, vitamin C, and Ginkgo biloba, exhibit significant neuroprotective effects.
- A common protective mechanism involves the inhibition and scavenging of excess free radicals generated during oxidative stress.
- These compounds also inhibit downstream apoptotic pathways initiated by reactive oxygen species, such as mitochondrial dysfunction and caspase activation.
Conclusions:
- Natural compounds offer promising therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases by targeting oxidative stress and apoptosis.
- 1MeTIQ holds a unique position as an endogenous neuroprotective agent.
- Further research into these natural compounds could lead to the development of safer and more effective treatments for brain disorders.
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