Neuroprotective role of polyphenols against oxidative stress-mediated neurodegeneration

• Published in: European journal of pharmacology Vol. 886; p. 173412
• Main Authors: Uddin, Md. Sahab, Al Mamun, Abdullah, Kabir, Md. Tanvir, Ahmad, Jamil, Jeandet, Philippe, Sarwar, Md. Shahid, Ashraf, Ghulam Md, Aleya, Lotfi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 05.11.2020; Elsevier
• Subjects: Animals; Environmental Sciences; Humans; Nerve Degeneration - drug therapy; Neurodegeneration; Neurodegenerative Diseases - drug therapy; Neuroprotection; Neuroprotective Agents - pharmacology; Neuroprotective Agents - therapeutic use; Neurotrophins; Oxidative stress; Oxidative Stress - drug effects; Polyphenols; Polyphenols - pharmacology; Polyphenols - therapeutic use; Polyphenols; Neuroprotection; Oxidative stress; Neurotrophins; Neurodegeneration
• ISSN: 0014-2999; 1879-0712; 1879-0712; 0014-2999
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173412

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are characterized by disorders with progressive deterioration of the structure and/or function of neurons. Genetic mutations can lead to many NDs. Nevertheless, neurodegeneration can also take place due to several biological processes. The pathogenesis of several NDs including Alzheimer's (AD), Parkinson's (PD), and Huntington's (HD) diseases are associated with oxidative stress (OS). In order to maintain the normal functions of neurons, lower levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are important, since their increased levels can cause neuronal cell death. It has been found that OS-mediated neurodegeneration involves a number of events including mitochondrial dysfunction, Ca2+ overload, and excitotoxicity. A growing number of studies are suggesting the benefit of using polyphenols for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Indeed, in order to treat most of the NDs, synthetic drugs are extensively used which are found to exert side effects in the course of the treatment. There is mounting evidence that researchers have identified several naturally-occurring chemical compounds in plants, which are used for the management of NDs. Overall, polyphenolic phytochemicals are safer in nature and have negligible side effects. In this article, we have focused on the potential efficacy of polyphenols such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate, curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin and methylated polyphenols berberine against the most common neurodegenerative disorders. •Oxidative stress-mediated neurodegeneration involves a complex series of events including mitochondrial dysfunction, calcium overload, and excitotoxicity.•Polyphenols exert neuroprotective effects and promote neuron survival by targeting neurotrophins.•Epigallocatechin-3-gallate prevents neuronal cell death by decreasing the activity of β- and γ-secretases through impeding ERK and NF-κβ.•Berberine exhibits free radicals scavenging effect by activating PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathways.•Curcumin aids in restoring neuronal cells by activating Trk/PI3K signaling pathways that raise BDNF levels. [Display omitted]