Oxidative Stress And Neurodegenerative Disorders

Oxidative stress is the result of an imbalance in pro-oxidant/antioxidant homeostasis that leads to the generation of toxic reactive oxygen species. Brain cells are continuously exposed to reactive oxygen species generated by oxidative metabolism, and in certain pathological conditions defense mechanisms against oxygen radicals may be weakened and/or overwhelmed. DNA is a potential target for oxidative damage, and genomic damage can contribute to neuropathogenesis. It is important therefore to identify tools for the quantitative analysis of DNA damage in models on neurological disorders. This book presents detailed information on various neurodegenerative disorders and their connection with oxidative stress. This information will provide clinicians with directions to treat these disorders with appropriate therapy and is also of vital importance for the drug industries for the design of new drugs for treatment of degenerative disorders. * Contains the latest information on the subject of neurodegenerative disorders * Reflects on various factors involved in degeneration and gives suggestions for how to tackle these problems

Despite the progress being made by researchers, Alzheimer’s disease, along with other age-related neurodegenerative disorders, continues to exact a tremendous toll on our society. However, we are beginning to see a relationship that ties degenerative disorders to oxidative stress and lifestyle, suggesting the possibility for prevention and intervention through changes of individual habits, especially with regard to diet. Oxidative Stress and Age-Related Neurodegeneration brings together expert researchers involved with recent developments across a variety of fields. In looking at causation, prevention, and therapy, they offer contributions addressing these questions: What similarities and differences exist between normal aging and disease-related neurodegeneration in terms of susceptibility to and effects of oxidative stress? How can oxidative stress or its effects be attenuated? Do antioxidants prevent or slow the progress of the disease? Is there any role for natural micronutrients in the attenuation of oxidative stress and prevention of age-related neurodegeneration? Some chapters look at the various ways research is getting to the core of neurodegenerative disease, including the use of proteomics, comparisons to related diseases, and examinations at the cellular and molecular levels. Other chapters focus on specific antioxidants and nutrients cited as being impactful, such as those found in Gingko biloba, green tea, blueberries, and grape seed extract. Researchers in academia, industry, and clinical medicine, as well as students and scholars will find use for this timely collection, either as an introduction to our current understanding of neurodegeneration or as a reference for further research. Clinicians will also benefit, as this book explains the basis for many of the latest approaches to prevention and therapy.

Based on a conference on Oxidative Stress and Redox Regulation, held at the Pasteur Institute, Paris, this work examines fundamental, chemical, biological and medical studies of free radicals on different targets and the consequences of their reactivity. It covers the chemistry and biochemistry of free radicals, free radicals as second messengers t

This book examines current knowledge and recent advances in the study of fundamental processes involved in neuronal death, particularly oxidative stress as a causal agent or risk factor. The author presents discussion of oxidative stress in neuronal apoptosis and its role in the neuropathogenesis of age-related neurodegenerative diseases exemplified by Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Twenty-five years ago, Earl R. Stadtman, PhD discovered that specific enzymes regulating metabolism can be inactivated by oxidation [1]. He later showed that age-related oxidative modification contributes, at least in part, to age-related loss of function of the enzymes [2, 3]. Dr. Stadtman broke the ground for a new field of study to discover how oxidative stress contributes in significant ways to age-related cellular dysfunction and protein accumulation and that oxidation in the aging brain influences Alzheimer’s disease, ischemia-reperfusion injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and lifespan [4–6]. Today, his research and mentorship have positively influenced the work of hundreds of scientists in this field. We dedicate this book to Dr. Earl R. Stadtman (1912–2008), in celebration of his passion for science and his superior collaborative and mentorship skills. This book is comprised of three sections. The first describes the valuable roles reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) play in cellular biology. The second section provides an overview of redox imbalance injury with effects on mitochondria, signaling, endoplasmic reticular function, and on aging in general. The third section takes these mechanisms to neurodegenerative disorders and provides a state-of-the-art look at the roles redox imbalances play in age-related susceptibility to disease and in the disease processes. In the first section we attempt to answer a question posed by Dr. Stadtman, ‘‘Why have cells selected reactive oxygen species to regulate cell signaling events’’ [7].

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, are a growing problem across the world’s aging population. Oxidative stress in the brain plays a central role in a common pathophysiology of these diseases. This book presents scientific research on the potential of antioxidant therapy in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. This book outlines the roles of oxidative stress and diabetes mellitus in neurodegeneration, describes the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders including the roles of environmental pollutants and inflammatory responses, and explores mitochondrial dysfunction. It then describes the protective abilities of antioxidants – including vitamin D, tocotrienol and coenzyme Q10 – against neurodegeneration. The book demonstrates the therapeutic potential of ketogenic diets, and highlights the roles of medicinal plants, phytopharmaceuticals, traditional medicines and food nutrients in neuroprotection. Key Features: Explains damage caused by numerous neurodegenerative disorders and the possible protection offered by antioxidants and functional foods. Describes molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration by oxidative stress, advancing age, diabetes and mitochondrial dysfunctions. Demonstrates protection offered by nutraceuticals, antioxidants, botanical extracts and functional foods. The book contains twenty-three chapters divided into six sections written by leading researchers. This book is essential reading for health professionals, dietitians, food and nutrition scientists and anyone wanting to improve their knowledge of etiology of neurodegenerative diseases.

Novel Therapeutic Approaches Targeting Oxidative Stress investigates the role of oxidative stress in disease and explores the latest methods and approaches to targeting oxidative stress for treatment and diagnosis. The book begins with an introduction to oxidative stress and its significance. Subsequent sections cover biochemical methods for detecting free radicals and novel therapeutic approaches for targeting oxidative stress in a number of different diseases. This includes age-related illnesses, neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Novel approaches for targeting oxidative stress in cancer and cardiovascular diseases are also explored. The book then moves on to discuss advances in drug delivery systems and detecting oxidative stress biomarkers using biosensors. It concludes with case studies that illustrate the targeting of oxidative stress and future perspectives. Explores oxidative stress in a variety of diseases, including neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, age-related diseases, and cancer Covers a range of therapeutic approaches to target oxidative stress Includes chapters on the application of novel drug delivery systems and diagnostic biosensors to oxidative stress Features case studies illustrating the targeting of oxidative stress

The role of free radicals and oxidative stress in neurological disorders has only recently been recognized, leaving clinical neurologists to seek in vain for information on the subject even in major textbooks. What published information there is may consist of brief reminders of the possible association of superoxidase dismutase with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and nitrous oxide with migraine. With luck they may also find information on the purported role of free radicals in the pathogenesis of traumatic brain injury. Oxidative Stress and Free Radical Damage in Neurology sets the record straight, focusing on clinical and research issues regarding the interplay of free radicals and the human nervous system. Crucially, the chapters cover numerous antioxidants and their possible therapeutic role in neurological disorders. Key illnesses such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s are analyzed, and chapters also examine more general issues such as the link between free radicals and inflammation of the central nervous system. Clinicians and laboratory researchers alike will find that this book augments their understanding not only of the widespread involvement of free radicals in the central nervous system but also of some uncertainties surrounding whether free radical damage in neurology plays a primary or secondary role.