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Natural Compounds and Autophagy: Allies Against Neurodegeneration
Alessandra Stacchiotti1,2, Giovanni Corsetti1
1Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|October 19, 2020
Summary
Dietary phytochemicals may slow neurodegeneration by enhancing autophagy, a cellular cleanup process. These natural compounds show promise in preclinical studies for active aging and treating brain disorders.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Neuroscience
- Cellular Biology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Age-related neurodegeneration causes progressive decline in motor, cognitive, and social functions.
- No effective treatments exist for neurodegeneration and irreversible neuronal loss.
- Autophagy (macroautophagy) is a critical cellular process for clearing damaged components in neurons, vital for synaptic plasticity and preventing neurodegeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of dietary phytochemicals in modulating autophagy for combating age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
- To explore the potential of phytochemicals in promoting healthy aging and preventing neurological disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on *in vitro* and *in vivo* studies of phytochemicals and autophagy.
- Analysis of mechanisms by which phytochemicals restore autophagic flux.
- Examination of phytochemicals' effects on neurodegenerative disease models.
Main Results:
- Specific phytochemicals (resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, spermidine, trehalose) have demonstrated neuroprotective effects.
- These compounds restore efficient autophagy by clearing misfolded proteins and dysfunctional mitochondria.
- Phytochemicals limit brain damage in various *in vitro* and *in vivo* models.
Conclusions:
- Dietary phytochemicals represent a promising natural strategy for active aging and mitigating neurodegeneration.
- Modulating autophagy via phytochemicals offers a potential therapeutic avenue for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurological disorders.
- Further clinical research is needed to translate preclinical findings into effective patient treatments.
Keywords:
Alzheimer’s diseaseParkinson’s diseasealkaloidsautophagypolyphenolsspermidineterpenestrehaloseMore Related Videos
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