Oxidative stress and ion channels in neurodegenerative diseases

Abstract

Numerous neurodegenerative diseases result from altered ion channel function and mutations. The intracellular redox status can significantly alter the gating characteristics of ion channels. Abundant neurodegenerative diseases associated with oxidative stress have been documented, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, spinocerebellar ataxia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington’s disease. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species compounds trigger posttranslational alterations that target specific sites within the subunits responsible for channel assembly. These alterations include the adjustment of cysteine residues through redox reactions induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitration, and S-nitrosylation assisted by nitric oxide of tyrosine residues through peroxynitrite. Several ion channels have been directly investigated for their functional responses to oxidizing agents and oxidative stress. This review primarily explores the relationship and potential links between oxidative stress and ion channels in neurodegenerative conditions, such as cerebellar ataxias and Parkinson’s disease. The potential correlation between oxidative stress and ion channels could hold promise for developing innovative therapies for common neurodegenerative diseases.

Short Communication: Taurine Long-Term Treatment Prevents the Development of Cardiac Hypertrophy, and Premature Death in Hereditary Cardiomyopathy of the Hamster Is Sex-Independent

“…In general, the concept of a biological antioxidant refers to any compound that, when present at a concentration below that of an oxidizable substrate, can retard or prevent oxidation [3,4]. Indeed, antioxidants are molecules that can accept or donate electrons and hydrogen atoms to oxidants to stop their chain reactions [5,6]. They fall into two main groups: (i) secondary peroxide scavengers, derived from dietary intakes such as the nonessential sulfur amino acid taurine [7], and (ii) primary free radical scavengers, produced by the cell, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and, in particular, glutathione, as well as taurine [4,8,9].…”