Protective Action of Neurotrophic Factors and Estrogen against Oxidative Stress-Mediated Neurodegeneration. (31st May 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Numakawa, Tadahiro; Matsumoto, Tomoya; Numakawa, Yumiko; Richards, Misty; Yamawaki, Shigeto; Kunugi, Hiroshi
• Other Names: Fechter Laurence D. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of toxicology. Volume 2011(2011)
• Publication Date: 2011-05-31
• Subjects: Toxicology -- Periodicals; 571.9505
• DOI: 10.1155/2011/405194
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-8191

Abstract

Abstract : Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. Low levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are important for maintenance of neuronal function, though elevated levels lead to neuronal cell death. A complex series of events including excitotoxicity, Ca 2+ overload, and mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to oxidative stress-mediated neurodegeneration. As expected, many antioxidants like phytochemicals and vitamins are known to reduce oxidative toxicity. Additionally, growing evidence indicates that neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and estrogens significantly prevent neuronal damage caused by oxidative stress. Here, we review and discuss recent studies addressing the protective mechanisms of neurotrophic factors and estrogen within this system.