Title:Effects of Polyphenols in Aging and Neurodegeneration Associated
with Oxidative Stress
Volume: 29
Issue: 6
关键词:
衰老、氧化应激、神经退行性疾病、抗氧化剂、多酚、神经保护。
摘要: Aging is defined as the functional loss of tissues and organs over time. This is
a biological, irreversible, progressive, and universal process that results from genetic and
environmental factors, such as diet, physical activity, smoking, harmful alcohol consumption,
and exposure to toxins, among others. Aging is a consequence of molecular and cellular
damage built up over time. This damage begins with a gradual decrease in physical
and mental capacity, thus increasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s
and Parkinson’s disease. Neuronal, functional, and structural damage can be explained
by an imbalance among free radicals, reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen
species, and antioxidants, which finally lead to oxidative stress. Due to the key role of free
radicals, reactive oxygen species, and reactive nitrogen species, antioxidant therapy may reduce
the oxidative damage associated with neurodegeneration. Exogenous antioxidants are
molecules that may help maintain the balance between the formation and elimination of free
radicals, thus protecting the cell from their toxicity. Among them, polyphenols are a broad
group of secondary plant metabolites with potent antioxidant properties. Here, we review
several studies that show the potential role of polyphenol consumption to prevent, or slow
down, harmful oxidative processes linked to neurodegenerative disorders.
