Neuroprotective role of polyphenols against oxidative stress-mediated neurodegeneration

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…