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Journal Article Review Epublish 5 citations

PubMed: 39770989 DOI: 10.3390/nu16244368

Mechanisms and Potential Benefits of Neuroprotective Agents in Neurological Health.

Nutrients 16(24)

Authors: Burcu Pekdemir, António Raposo, Ariana Saraiva, Maria João Lima, Zayed D Alsharari, Mona N BinMowyna, Sercan Karav

Affiliations

  • Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale 17100, Turkey.
  • CBIOS (Research Center for Biosciences and Health Technologies), Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal.
  • Research in Veterinary Medicine (I-MVET), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lisbon University Centre, Lusófona University, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal.
  • CERNAS Research Centre, Polytechnic University of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal.
  • Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, P.O. Box 741, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia.
  • College of Education, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11911, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

The brain contains many interconnected and complex cellular and molecular mechanisms. Injury to the brain causes permanent dysfunctions in these mechanisms. So, it continues to be an area where surgical intervention cannot be performed except for the removal of tumors and the repair of some aneurysms. Some agents that can cross the blood-brain barrier and reach neurons show neuroprotective effects in the brain due to their anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In particular, some agents act by reducing or modulating the accumulation of protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and prion disease) caused by protein accumulation. Substrate accumulation causes increased oxidative stress and stimulates the brain's immune cells, microglia, and astrocytes, to secrete proinflammatory cytokines. Long-term or chronic neuroinflammatory response triggers apoptosis. Brain damage is observed with neuronal apoptosis and brain functions are impaired. This situation negatively affects processes such as motor movements, memory, perception, and learning. Neuroprotective agents prevent apoptosis by modulating molecules that play a role in apoptosis. In addition, they can improve impaired brain functions by supporting neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. Due to the important roles that these agents play in central nervous system damage or neurodegenerative diseases, it is important to elucidate many mechanisms. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms of flavonoids, which constitute a large part of the agents with neuroprotective effects, as well as vitamins, neurotransmitters, hormones, amino acids, and their derivatives. It is thought that understanding these mechanisms will enable the development of new therapeutic agents and different treatment strategies.

MeSH

Neuronal Plasticity, Neuroprotective Agents, Brain, Neuroprotection, Food, Antioxidants, Therapeutics, Apoptosis, Neurodegenerative Diseases

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