Oxidative Stress And Neuroprotection

This book deals with basic and clinical aspects of monoamine oxidase (MAO) subtypes A and B highlighting its importance in neurological and psychiatric diseases. Consequently the therapeutic actions of MAO-A and -B inhibitors in Parkinson’s disease (PK) and depression are the focus of several chapters. As MAO is the basis of the development of the "oxidative stress hypothesis" of PD, several chapters are devoted to iron and iron-induced oxidative stress in various experimental studies and clinical conditions. Based on these findings, new compounds have been developed which not only block MAO, but are in addition, either inhibitors of acetylcholine esterase or have iron chelating properties. The aspect of "preclinical" and "clinical" neuro protection as well as MAO neuroprotection are additional topics covered in this book. MAO, iron and neuroprotection are seen in the framework of general anti Parkinson’s therapy with chapters on levodopa, dopaminergic receptor agonists and clinical issues.

Recognition that aging is not the accumulation of disease, but rather comprises fundamental biological processes that are amenable to experimental study, is the basis for the recent growth of experimental biogerontology. As increasingly sophisticated studies provide greater understanding of what occurs in the aging brain and how these changes occur

Despite compelling preclinical evidence from laboratory models of brain hypoxia suggesting potential neuroprotective strategies, only scattered data are available from clinical studies. A few candidate neuroprotectants have been studied regarding antioxidant, antiapoptotic, anti-excitotoxic, immunomodulatory, and neurotrophic effects. In parallel with clinical innovations, preclinical research initiatives are also identifying new animal models more closely resembling the clinical course and pathology of neurodegenerative diseases. Clarifying the specific mission of the brain cells involved in the damage/repair system in the examined animal models is important to define new therapeutic targets. Following hypoxic damage, detrimental events intermingle with the repairing events in both time- and cellular-dependent fashion. Identifying reliable post-hypoxia brain markers is mandatory to develop potential therapeutic interventions, improving translational research from the experimental observations to the clinical application. A deeper understanding of the precise participation of neurons, glia, and endothelial cells is expected to offer more clues for designing new therapeutic strategies to reduce the current gap among the experimental and the clinical data. One of the main issues should be to study the epigenetic mechanism of neuroprotective agents and their action on the genetic modification induced by hypoxia. Achieving this goal is presumed critical to obtain more conclusive results in patients that by now do not receive appropriate therapy for mitigating the several diseases generated by brain hypoxia. Although a few ongoing studies are evaluating interesting approaches, future research is necessary to come to a novel mechanism of neuroprotection. This book encompasses different chapters conveying the goals and aims of the pertaining research.

Oxidative Stress and Dietary Antioxidants in Neurological Diseases provides an overview of oxidative stress in neurological diseases and associated conditions, including behavioral aspects and the potentially therapeutic usage of natural antioxidants in the diet. The processes within the science of oxidative stress are described in concert with other processes, such as apoptosis, cell signaling, and receptor mediated responses. This approach recognizes that diseases are often multifactorial and oxidative stress is a single component of this. The book examines basic processes of oxidative stress—from molecular biology to whole organs—relative to cellular defense systems, and across a range of neurological diseases. Sections discuss antioxidants in foods, including plants and components of the diet, examining the underlying mechanisms associated with therapeutic potential and clinical applications. Although some of this material is exploratory or preclinical, it can provide the framework for further in-depth analysis or studies via well-designed clinical trials or the analysis of pathways, mechanisms, and components in order to devise new therapeutic strategies. Very often oxidative stress is a feature of neurological disease and associated conditions which either centers on or around molecular and cellular processes. Oxidative stress can also arise due to nutritional imbalance during a spectrum of timeframes before the onset of disease or during its development. Offers an overview of oxidative stress from molecular biology to whole organs Discusses the potentially therapeutic usage of natural antioxidants in the patient diet Provides the framework for further in-depth analysis or studies of potential treatments

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.

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, are the most common pathologies of the central nervous system currently without a cure. They share common molecular and cellular characteristics, including protein misfolding, mitochondrial dysfunction, glutamate toxicity, dysregulation of calcium homeostasis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and ageing, which contribute to neuronal death. Efforts to treat these diseases are often limited by their multifactorial etiology. Natural products, thanks to their multitarget activities, are considered promising alternatives for the treatment of neurodegeneration. This book deals with two different forms of natural products: extracts and isolated compounds. The study of the bioactivity of the extracts is extremely important as many studies have demonstrated the synergistic effect of the combination of different natural products. On the other hand, the investigation of the activity of specifically isolated natural products can be also important to understand their cellular and molecular mechanisms and to define the specific bioactive components in extracts or foods. This book can be considered an important contribution to knowledge of the neuroprotective effect of natural products and presents a great deal of information, related to both the benefits but also the limitations of their use in counteracting neurodegeneration.

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.

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