Mitochondria, metabolic disturbances, oxidative stress and the kynurenine system, with focus on neurodegenerative disorders

Reactive oxygen species: Destroyers or messengers?

“…Complex II may perhaps generate superoxide when damaged or in hypoxia. Autoxidation of reduced flavins in other mitochondrial flavoproteins may also generate superoxide [5].…”

Comparative Chemomapping of Phytoconstituents from Different Extracts of Globe Artichoke - Cynara Scolymus L.

“…Compounds found only in hydro-alcoholic extracts According to our current knowledge, we were the first to identify the kynurenic acid, trigonelline and stachydrine as the major alkaloids present in both artichoke extracts. The neuroprotective role of kynurenic acid has been already demonstrated, and is achieved via the kynurenine pathway by metabolizing the tryptophan amino acid that is also present in both of ours artichoke extracts [27]. The presence of trigonelline in plant extracts like coffee and fenugreek was demonstrated, and some experimental data did indicate its Nrf2 inhibitory effect together with the blocking of Nrf2-dependent expression of proteasomal genes, and reduced proteasome activity in some pancreatic carcinoma cell lines [28].…”

Synthesis, Antioxidant Activity, Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition and Quantum Studies of Thiosemicarbazones

“…3 Free radicals and ROS are present in biological systems and can be generated from a variety of sources. These reactive species are able to oxidize proteins, lipids or nucleic acids, and, thereby, have the potential to initiate oxidative stress and cause damage to cell structures, being, in turn, linked to chronic and degenerative diseases, 4 such as cancer, 5 cardiovascular diseases, 6 alcohol-induced liver disease, 7 atherosclerosis, 8 neural disorders, 9 and Alzheimer's disease, 10,11 and also aging processes. 12 Oxidative stress appears as a risk factor for ageassociated cognitive decline and is considered to be a critical aspect in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD).…”