Oxidative Stress Mediated Mitochondrial and Vascular Lesions as Markers in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer Disease

Abstract

Mitochondrial dysfunction plausibly underlies the aging-associated brain degeneration. Mitochondria play a pivotal role in cellular bioenergetics and cell-survival. Oxidative stress consequent to chronic hypoperfusion induces mitochondrial damage, which is implicated as the primary cause of cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) mediated Alzheimer's disease (AD). The mitochondrial function deteriorates with aging, and the mitochondrial damage correlates with increased intracellular production of oxidants and pro-oxidants. The prolonged oxidative stress and the resultant hypoperfusion in the brain tissues stimulate the expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes, which further drives the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). The ROS and RNS collectively contributes to the dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and damage to the brain parenchymal cells. Delineating the molecular mechanisms of these processes may provide clues for the novel therapeutic targets for CVA and AD patients.

Department(s)

Chemistry

Keywords and Phrases

Alzheimer disease; Antioxidants; Cerebrovascular pathology; Mitochondria; Neurodegeneration; Oxidative stress

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0929-8673

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2014 Bentham Science Publishers B.V., All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2014

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