Antioxidants

Editorial

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3 pages, 191 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Role of Natural Antioxidants on Neuroprotection and Neuroinflammation

by Domenico Nuzzo

Antioxidants 2021, 10(4), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10040608 - 15 Apr 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2381

Abstract

All cells continuously generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the respiratory chain during the energy metabolism process [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Antioxidants on Neuroprotection and Neuroinflammation)

Research

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22 pages, 3773 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Memory-Enhancing Effects of Mangosteen Pericarp Water Extract through Antioxidative Neuroprotection and Anti-Apoptotic Action

by Yeonsoo Oh, Ha Thi Thu Do, Sunyoung Kim, Young-Mi Kim, Young-Won Chin and Jungsook Cho

Antioxidants 2021, 10(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10010034 - 30 Dec 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3540

Abstract

Mangosteen has long been utilized as a traditional medicine in Southeast Asia. Diverse extracts of mangosteen pericarp and its bioactive xanthones exhibit various bioactivities. However, the pharmacological potential of mangosteen pericarp water extract (MPW) has not been reported yet. This study used primary [...] Read more.

Mangosteen has long been utilized as a traditional medicine in Southeast Asia. Diverse extracts of mangosteen pericarp and its bioactive xanthones exhibit various bioactivities. However, the pharmacological potential of mangosteen pericarp water extract (MPW) has not been reported yet. This study used primary cultured rat cortical cells to investigate the effect of MPW on neurotoxicity. We found that MPW inhibited neurotoxicity and production of reactive oxygen species triggered by Aβ_(25–35) or excitatory amino acids. MPW inhibited caspase 3 activation and DNA fragmentation in Aβ_(25–35)- or N-methyl-D-aspartate-treated cells, suggesting an anti-apoptotic action. Additionally, MPW reduced lipid peroxidation and scavenged 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals, assuring its antioxidant property. Furthermore, MPW suppressed β-secretase and acetylcholinesterase activities. These findings prompted us to evaluate its effect on memory dysfunction in scopolamine-treated mice using Morris water maze test. Oral administration of MPW at the dosage of 50, 100, or 300 mg/kg for four days significantly decreased the latency time to find the platform and markedly increased the swimming time in the target quadrant. Taken together, our results suggest that MPW exerts memory-enhancing effect through antioxidative neuroprotection and anti-apoptotic action. Accordingly, MPW may have a potential to prevent or treat memory impairment associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Antioxidants on Neuroprotection and Neuroinflammation)

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17 pages, 10454 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vitamin C Recycling Regulates Neurite Growth in Neurospheres Differentiated In Vitro

by Francisca Espinoza, Rocío Magdalena, Natalia Saldivia, Nery Jara, Fernando Martínez, Luciano Ferrada, Katterine Salazar, Felipe Ávila and Francisco Nualart

Antioxidants 2020, 9(12), 1276; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9121276 - 14 Dec 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3023

Abstract

The reduced form of vitamin C, ascorbic acid (AA), has been related with gene expression and cell differentiation in the cerebral cortex. In neurons, AA is mainly oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid (DHA); however, DHA cannot accumulate intracellularly because it induces metabolic changes and [...] Read more.

The reduced form of vitamin C, ascorbic acid (AA), has been related with gene expression and cell differentiation in the cerebral cortex. In neurons, AA is mainly oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid (DHA); however, DHA cannot accumulate intracellularly because it induces metabolic changes and cell death. In this context, it has been proposed that vitamin C recycling via neuron–astrocyte coupling maintains AA levels and prevents DHA parenchymal accumulation. To date, the role of this mechanism during the outgrowth of neurites is unknown. To stimulate neuronal differentiation, adhered neurospheres treated with AA and retinoic acid (RA) were used. Neuritic growth was analyzed by confocal microscopy, and the effect of vitamin C recycling (bystander effect) in vitro was studied using different cells. AA stimulates neuritic growth more efficiently than RA. However, AA is oxidized to DHA in long incubation periods, generating a loss in the formation of neurites. Surprisingly, neurite growth is maintained over time following co-incubation of neurospheres with cells that efficiently capture DHA. In this sense, astrocytes have high capacity to recycle DHA and stimulate the maintenance of neurites. We demonstrated that vitamin C recycling in vitro regulates the morphology of immature neurons during the differentiation and maturation processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Antioxidants on Neuroprotection and Neuroinflammation)

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16 pages, 1477 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neuroprotective Potential of Verbascoside Isolated from Acanthus mollis L. Leaves through Its Enzymatic Inhibition and Free Radical Scavenging Ability

by Carmen Burgos, Dolores Muñoz-Mingarro, Inmaculada Navarro, Carmen Martín-Cordero and Nuria Acero

Antioxidants 2020, 9(12), 1207; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9121207 - 30 Nov 2020

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 3747

Abstract

The phenomenon of today’s ageing population has increased interest in the search for new active substances that delay the onset and development of neurodegenerative diseases. In this respect, the search for natural compounds, mainly phenolic compounds, with neuroprotective activity has become the focus [...] Read more.

The phenomenon of today’s ageing population has increased interest in the search for new active substances that delay the onset and development of neurodegenerative diseases. In this respect, the search for natural compounds, mainly phenolic compounds, with neuroprotective activity has become the focus of growing interest. Verbascoside is a phenylethanoid that has already presented several pharmacological activities. The purpose of this study is to isolate and identify verbascoside from Acanthus mollis leaves. Consequently, its neuroprotective ability through enzymatic inhibition and free radical scavenging ability has been analyzed both in vitro and in cell culture assays. The antioxidant capacity of verbascoside was evaluated in vitro through total antioxidant capacity, DPPH^•, ^•OH, and O₂^•—scavenging activity assays. The effect of verbascoside on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of HepG2 and SH-SY5Y cell lines was studied in normal culture and under induced oxidative stress. The inhibitory ability of the phenylethanoid against several enzymes implied in neurodegenerative diseases (tyrosinase, MAO-A, and AChE) was analyzed in vitro. Verbascoside neuroprotective activity is at least in part related to its free radical scavenging ability. The effect of verbascoside on ROS production suggests its potential in the prevention of harmful cell redox changes and in boosting neuroprotection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Antioxidants on Neuroprotection and Neuroinflammation)

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18 pages, 1978 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thymus vulgaris Essential Oil Protects Zebrafish against Cognitive Dysfunction by Regulating Cholinergic and Antioxidants Systems

by Luminita Capatina, Elena Todirascu-Ciornea, Edoardo Marco Napoli, Giuseppe Ruberto, Lucian Hritcu and Gabriela Dumitru

Antioxidants 2020, 9(11), 1083; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9111083 - 4 Nov 2020

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 5095

Abstract

Thymus vulgaris L. is an aromatic herb used for medicinal purposes such as antimicrobial, spasmolytic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antitumor, and may have beneficial effects in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The present study aimed to investigate whether Thymus vulgaris L. essential oil enhances [...] Read more.

Thymus vulgaris L. is an aromatic herb used for medicinal purposes such as antimicrobial, spasmolytic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antitumor, and may have beneficial effects in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The present study aimed to investigate whether Thymus vulgaris L. essential oil enhances cognitive function via the action on cholinergic neurons using scopolamine (Sco)-induced zebrafish (Danio rerio) model of memory impairments. Thymus vulgaris L. essential oil (TEO, 25, 150, and 300 µL/L) was administered by immersion to zebrafish once daily for 13 days, whereas memory impairment was induced by Sco (100 μM), a muscarinic receptor antagonist, delivered 30 min before behavioral tests. Spatial memory was assessed using the Y-maze test and novel object recognition test (NOR). Anxiety and depression were measured in the novel tank diving test (NTT). Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was used to study the phytochemical composition of TEO. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and oxidative stress response in the brain of zebrafish were determined. TEO ameliorated Sco-induced increasing of AChE activity, amnesia, anxiety, and reduced the brain antioxidant capacity. These results suggest that TEO may have preventive and/or therapeutic potentials in the management of memory deficits and brain oxidative stress in zebrafish with amnesia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Antioxidants on Neuroprotection and Neuroinflammation)

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33 pages, 2467 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Safety Evaluation of α-Lipoic Acid Supplementation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Studies

by Federica Fogacci, Manfredi Rizzo, Christoffer Krogager, Cormac Kennedy, Coralie M.G. Georges, Tamara Knežević, Evangelos Liberopoulos, Alexandre Vallée, Pablo Pérez-Martínez, Eliane F.E. Wenstedt, Agnė Šatrauskienė, Michal Vrablík and Arrigo F.G. Cicero

Antioxidants 2020, 9(10), 1011; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9101011 - 19 Oct 2020

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 11319

Abstract

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a natural short-chain fatty acid that has attracted great attention in recent years as an antioxidant molecule. However, some concerns have been recently raised regarding its safety profile. To address the issue, we aimed to assess ALA safety profile [...] Read more.

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a natural short-chain fatty acid that has attracted great attention in recent years as an antioxidant molecule. However, some concerns have been recently raised regarding its safety profile. To address the issue, we aimed to assess ALA safety profile through a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of the available randomized placebo-controlled clinical studies. The literature search included EMBASE, PubMed Medline, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and ISI Web of Science by Clarivate databases up to 15th August 2020. Data were pooled from 71 clinical studies, comprising 155 treatment arms, which included 4749 subjects with 2558 subjects treated with ALA and 2294 assigned to placebo. A meta-analysis of extracted data suggested that supplementation with ALA was not associated with an increased risk of any treatment-emergent adverse event (all p > 0.05). ALA supplementation was safe, even in subsets of studies categorized according to smoking habit, cardiovascular disease, presence of diabetes, pregnancy status, neurological disorders, rheumatic affections, severe renal impairment, and status of children/adolescents at baseline. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Antioxidants on Neuroprotection and Neuroinflammation)

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24 pages, 3453 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Amnesic Effect of Walnut via the Regulation of BBB Function and Neuro-Inflammation in Aβ_1-42-Induced Mice

by Jong Min Kim, Uk Lee, Jin Yong Kang, Seon Kyeong Park, Eun Jin Shin, Hyun-Jin Kim, Chul-Woo Kim, Mahn-Jo Kim and Ho Jin Heo

Antioxidants 2020, 9(10), 976; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9100976 - 12 Oct 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3880

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the protective effect of walnut (Juglans regia L.) extract on amyloid beta (Aβ)_1-42-induced institute of cancer research (ICR) mice. By conducting a Y-maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests with amyloidogenic mice, it [...] Read more.

This study was conducted to assess the protective effect of walnut (Juglans regia L.) extract on amyloid beta (Aβ)_1-42-induced institute of cancer research (ICR) mice. By conducting a Y-maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests with amyloidogenic mice, it was found that walnut extract ameliorated behavioral dysfunction and memory deficit. The walnut extract showed a protective effect on the antioxidant system and cholinergic system by regulating malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) contents, reduced glutathione (GSH) contents, acetylcholine (ACh) levels, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and protein expression of AChE and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). Furthermore, the walnut extract suppressed Aβ-induced abnormality of mitochondrial function by ameliorating reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and ATP contents. Finally, the walnut extract regulated the expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin concerned with blood–brain barrier (BBB) function, expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1), phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), phosphorylated nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor (p-IκB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), related to neuroinflammation and the expression of phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt), caspase-3, hyperphosphorylation of tau (p-tau), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), associated with the Aβ-related Akt pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Antioxidants on Neuroprotection and Neuroinflammation)

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15 pages, 1852 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Olive Leaves and Hibiscus Flowers Extracts-Based Preparation Protect Brain from Oxidative Stress-Induced Injury

by Elda Chiaino, Matteo Micucci, Sandro Cosconati, Ettore Novellino, Roberta Budriesi, Alberto Chiarini and Maria Frosini

Antioxidants 2020, 9(9), 806; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9090806 - 1 Sep 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4248

Abstract

Oxidative stress (OS) arising from tissue redox imbalance, critically contributes to the development of neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, natural compounds, owing to their antioxidant properties, have promising therapeutic potential. Pres phytum (PRES) is a nutraceutical product composed of leaves- and flowers-extracts of Olea europaea [...] Read more.

Oxidative stress (OS) arising from tissue redox imbalance, critically contributes to the development of neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, natural compounds, owing to their antioxidant properties, have promising therapeutic potential. Pres phytum (PRES) is a nutraceutical product composed of leaves- and flowers-extracts of Olea europaea L. and Hibiscus sabdariffa L., respectively, the composition of which has been characterized by HPLC coupled to a UV-Vis and QqQ-Ms detector. As PRES possess antioxidant, antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties, the aim of this study was to assess its neuroprotective effects in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and in rat brain slices subjected to OS. PRES (1–50 µg/mL) reverted the decrease in viability as well as the increase in sub-diploid-, DAPI-and annexin V-positive-cells, reduced ROS formation, recovered the mitochondrial potential and caspase-3 and 9 activity changes caused by OS. PRES (50–100 µg/mL) neuroprotective effects occurred also in rat brain slices subjected to H₂O₂ challenge. Finally, as the neuroprotective potential of PRES is strictly related to its penetration into the brain and a relatively good pharmacokinetic profile, an in-silico prediction of its components drug-like properties was carried out. The present results suggest the possibility of PRES as a nutraceutical, which could help in preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Antioxidants on Neuroprotection and Neuroinflammation)

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17 pages, 2760 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Erythronium japonicum Alleviates Inflammatory Pain by Inhibiting MAPK Activation and by Suppressing NF-κB Activation via ERK/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway

by Joon Park and Yun Tai Kim

Antioxidants 2020, 9(7), 626; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9070626 - 16 Jul 2020

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3911

Abstract

Microglial activation-mediated neuroinflammation influences the development of inflammatory pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of aqueous Erythronium japonicum extract (EJE) in microglia activation-mediated inflammatory pain. EJE was found to suppress lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inducible nitric oxide [...] Read more.

Microglial activation-mediated neuroinflammation influences the development of inflammatory pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of aqueous Erythronium japonicum extract (EJE) in microglia activation-mediated inflammatory pain. EJE was found to suppress lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA-1), and pro-inflammatory cytokines in BV2 microglial cells. In addition, LPS-induced c-Jun NH₂ terminal protein kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation were inhibited by EJE. Intriguingly, EJE also inhibited p65 phosphorylation by activating extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling. Furthermore, the effects of EJE treatment, such as HO-1 induction and the reduction of NF-ĸB activation, were reversed by ERK1/2 inhibition. In an inflammatory pain mouse model, Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)-induced mechanical allodynia and foot swelling were alleviated by the oral administration of EJE. Consistent with in vitro results, EJE increased HO-1, while decreasing CFA-induced COX-2, IBA-1, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the spinal cord. Among the components of EJE, butanol most heavily suppressed LPS-induced microglial activation and increased HO-1 expression. These findings indicate that EJE can alleviate inflammatory pain by inhibiting p38 and JNK and by suppressing NF-ĸB via ERK/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Antioxidants on Neuroprotection and Neuroinflammation)

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16 pages, 2426 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Regular Intake of Pistachio Mitigates the Deleterious Effects of a High Fat-Diet in the Brain of Obese Mice

by Domenico Nuzzo, Giacoma Galizzi, Antonella Amato, Simona Terzo, Pasquale Picone, Laura Cristaldi, Flavia Mulè and Marta Di Carlo

Antioxidants 2020, 9(4), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9040317 - 15 Apr 2020

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 4397

Abstract

Obesity has been associated with neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunctions. Recent data showed that pistachio consumption is able to prevent and ameliorate dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, systemic and adipose tissue inflammation in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects [...] Read more.

Obesity has been associated with neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunctions. Recent data showed that pistachio consumption is able to prevent and ameliorate dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, systemic and adipose tissue inflammation in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects of pistachio intake in HFD mice. Three groups of mice were fed a standard diet (STD), HFD, or HFD supplemented with pistachio (HFD-P) for 16 weeks. Metabolic parameters (oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction) were analyzed by using specific assays and biomarkers. The pistachio diet significantly reduced the serum levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the HFD model. No difference was observed in the index of insulin resistance between HFD and HFD-P. A higher number of fragmented nuclei were found in HFD cerebral cortex compared to STD and HFD-P. A decrease in reactive oxygen species, singlet oxygen and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and an increase of superoxide dismutase 2 and heme oxygenase expression were found in the brains of the HFD-P samples compared to HFD. Furthermore, the impaired mitochondrial function found in HFD brain was partially recovered in HFD-P mice. These results suggest that the regular intake of pistachio may be useful in preventing obesity-related neurodegeneration, being able to reduce both metabolic and cellular dysfunctions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Antioxidants on Neuroprotection and Neuroinflammation)

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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

19 pages, 1533 KiB

Open AccessReview

Antioxidant Therapeutics in Parkinson’s Disease: Current Challenges and Opportunities

by Ana Patricia Duarte-Jurado, Yareth Gopar-Cuevas, Odila Saucedo-Cardenas, Maria de Jesus Loera-Arias, Roberto Montes-de-Oca-Luna, Aracely Garcia-Garcia and Humberto Rodriguez-Rocha

Antioxidants 2021, 10(3), 453; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10030453 - 15 Mar 2021

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 5647

Abstract

Oxidative stress is considered one of the pathological mechanisms that cause Parkinson’s disease (PD), which has led to the investigation of several antioxidants molecules as a potential therapeutic treatment against the disease. Although preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of these compounds to [...] Read more.

Oxidative stress is considered one of the pathological mechanisms that cause Parkinson’s disease (PD), which has led to the investigation of several antioxidants molecules as a potential therapeutic treatment against the disease. Although preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of these compounds to maintain neuronal survival and activity in PD models, these results have not been reflected in clinical trials, antioxidants have not been able to act as disease modifiers in terms of clinical symptoms. Translational medicine currently faces the challenge of redesigning clinical trials to standardize criteria when testing molecules to reduce responses’ variability. Herein, we discuss current challenges and opportunities regarding several non-enzymatic antioxidants’ therapeutic molecules for PD patients’ potential treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Antioxidants on Neuroprotection and Neuroinflammation)

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32 pages, 1649 KiB

Open AccessReview

(Ascorb)ing Pb Neurotoxicity in the Developing Brain

by Faraz Ahmad and Ping Liu

Antioxidants 2020, 9(12), 1311; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9121311 - 21 Dec 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4494

Abstract

Lead (Pb) neurotoxicity is a major concern, particularly in children. Developmental exposure to Pb can alter neurodevelopmental trajectory and has permanent neuropathological consequences, including an increased vulnerability to further stressors. Ascorbic acid is among most researched antioxidant nutrients and has a special role [...] Read more.

Lead (Pb) neurotoxicity is a major concern, particularly in children. Developmental exposure to Pb can alter neurodevelopmental trajectory and has permanent neuropathological consequences, including an increased vulnerability to further stressors. Ascorbic acid is among most researched antioxidant nutrients and has a special role in maintaining redox homeostasis in physiological and physio-pathological brain states. Furthermore, because of its capacity to chelate metal ions, ascorbic acid may particularly serve as a potent therapeutic agent in Pb poisoning. The present review first discusses the major consequences of Pb exposure in children and then proceeds to present evidence from human and animal studies for ascorbic acid as an efficient ameliorative supplemental nutrient in Pb poisoning, with a particular focus on developmental Pb neurotoxicity. In doing so, it is hoped that there is a revitalization for further research on understanding the brain functions of this essential, safe, and readily available vitamin in physiological states, as well to justify and establish it as an effective neuroprotective and modulatory factor in the pathologies of the nervous system, including developmental neuropathologies. Full article

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17 pages, 545 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Natural Antioxidants: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Autism Spectrum Disorders?

by Luca Pangrazzi, Luigi Balasco and Yuri Bozzi

Antioxidants 2020, 9(12), 1186; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9121186 - 26 Nov 2020

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 7978

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental syndromes with both genetic and environmental origins. Several recent studies have shown that inflammation and oxidative stress may play a key role in supporting the pathogenesis and the severity of ASD. Thus, the administration [...] Read more.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental syndromes with both genetic and environmental origins. Several recent studies have shown that inflammation and oxidative stress may play a key role in supporting the pathogenesis and the severity of ASD. Thus, the administration of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant molecules may represent a promising strategy to counteract pathological behaviors in ASD patients. In the current review, results from recent literature showing how natural antioxidants may be beneficial in the context of ASD will be discussed. Interestingly, many antioxidant molecules available in nature show anti-inflammatory activity. Thus, after introducing ASD and the role of the vitamin E/vitamin C/glutathione network in scavenging intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the impairments observed with ASD, we discuss the concept of functional food and nutraceutical compounds. Furthermore, the effects of well-known nutraceutical compounds on ASD individuals and animal models of ASD are summarized. Finally, the importance of nutraceutical compounds as support therapy useful in reducing the symptoms in autistic people is discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Antioxidants on Neuroprotection and Neuroinflammation)

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38 pages, 5997 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bioactive Compounds of Edible Fruits with Their Anti-Aging Properties: A Comprehensive Review to Prolong Human Life

by Rajni Dhalaria, Rachna Verma, Dinesh Kumar, Sunil Puri, Ashwani Tapwal, Vinod Kumar, Eugenie Nepovimova and Kamil Kuca

Antioxidants 2020, 9(11), 1123; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9111123 - 13 Nov 2020

Cited by 156 | Viewed by 16939

Abstract

Aging is a complicated biological process in which functional and structural alterations in a living organism take place over time. Reactive oxygen species is one of the main factors responsible for aging and is associated with several chronic pathologies. The relationship between aging [...] Read more.

Aging is a complicated biological process in which functional and structural alterations in a living organism take place over time. Reactive oxygen species is one of the main factors responsible for aging and is associated with several chronic pathologies. The relationship between aging and diet is quite interesting and has attained worldwide attention. Healthy food, in addition to dietary antioxidants, are required to delay the process of aging and improve the quality of life. Many healthy foods such as fruits are a good source of dietary nutrients and natural bioactive compounds which have antioxidant properties and are involved in preventing aging and other age-related disorders. Health benefits linked with healthy consumption of fruit have drawn increased interest. A significant number of studies have documented the advantages of fruit intake, as it suppresses free-radical development that further reduces the oxidative stress created in the body and protects against several types of diseases such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, inflammatory disorders, and other cardiovascular diseases that ultimately prevent aging. In addition, fruits have numerous other properties like anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, and have health-promoting effects. Mechanisms of various bioactive compounds that aids in preventing various diseases and increases longevity are also described. This manuscript provides a summary of various bioactive components present in fruits along with their health-promoting and antiaging properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Antioxidants on Neuroprotection and Neuroinflammation)

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34 pages, 2571 KiB

Open AccessReview

Merging the Multi-Target Effects of Phytochemicals in Neurodegeneration: From Oxidative Stress to Protein Aggregation and Inflammation

by Fiona Limanaqi, Francesca Biagioni, Federica Mastroiacovo, Maico Polzella, Gloria Lazzeri and Francesco Fornai

Antioxidants 2020, 9(10), 1022; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9101022 - 20 Oct 2020

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 6445

Abstract

Wide experimental evidence has been provided in the last decade concerning the neuroprotective effects of phytochemicals in a variety of neurodegenerative disorders. Generally, the neuroprotective effects of bioactive compounds belonging to different phytochemical classes are attributed to antioxidant, anti-aggregation, and anti-inflammatory activity along [...] Read more.

Wide experimental evidence has been provided in the last decade concerning the neuroprotective effects of phytochemicals in a variety of neurodegenerative disorders. Generally, the neuroprotective effects of bioactive compounds belonging to different phytochemical classes are attributed to antioxidant, anti-aggregation, and anti-inflammatory activity along with the restoration of mitochondrial homeostasis and targeting alterations of cell-clearing systems. Far from being independent, these multi-target effects represent interconnected events that are commonly implicated in the pathogenesis of most neurodegenerative diseases, independently of etiology, nosography, and the specific misfolded proteins being involved. Nonetheless, the increasing amount of data applying to a variety of neurodegenerative disorders joined with the multiple effects exerted by the wide variety of plant-derived neuroprotective agents may rather confound the reader. The present review is an attempt to provide a general guideline about the most relevant mechanisms through which naturally occurring agents may counteract neurodegeneration. With such an aim, we focus on some popular phytochemical classes and bioactive compounds as representative examples to design a sort of main highway aimed at deciphering the most relevant protective mechanisms which make phytochemicals potentially useful in counteracting neurodegeneration. In this frame, we emphasize the potential role of the cell-clearing machinery as a kernel in the antioxidant, anti-aggregation, anti-inflammatory, and mitochondrial protecting effects of phytochemicals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Antioxidants on Neuroprotection and Neuroinflammation)

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24 pages, 735 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mitochondrial DNA and Neurodegeneration: Any Role for Dietary Antioxidants?

by Laura Bordoni and Rosita Gabbianelli

Antioxidants 2020, 9(8), 764; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9080764 - 17 Aug 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 6767

Abstract

The maintenance of the mitochondrial function is essential in preventing and counteracting neurodegeneration. In particular, mitochondria of neuronal cells play a pivotal role in sustaining the high energetic metabolism of these cells and are especially prone to oxidative damage. Since overproduction of reactive [...] Read more.

The maintenance of the mitochondrial function is essential in preventing and counteracting neurodegeneration. In particular, mitochondria of neuronal cells play a pivotal role in sustaining the high energetic metabolism of these cells and are especially prone to oxidative damage. Since overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration, dietary antioxidants have been suggested to counteract the detrimental effects of ROS and to preserve the mitochondrial function, thus slowing the progression and limiting the extent of neuronal cell loss in neurodegenerative disorders. In addition to their role in the redox-system homeostasis, mitochondria are unique organelles in that they contain their own genome (mtDNA), which acts at the interface between environmental exposures and the molecular triggers of neurodegeneration. Indeed, it has been demonstrated that mtDNA (including both genetics and, from recent evidence, epigenetics) might play relevant roles in modulating the risk for neurodegenerative disorders. This mini-review describes the link between the mitochondrial genome and cellular oxidative status, with a particular focus on neurodegeneration; moreover, it provides an overview on potential beneficial effects of antioxidants in preserving mitochondrial functions through the protection of mtDNA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Antioxidants on Neuroprotection and Neuroinflammation)

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