Phospholipid and Lipid Derivatives as Potential Neuroprotective Compounds

Abstract

The worldwide demographical trend is changing towards a more elderly population. In particular, this phenomenon is increasing the number of neurodegenerative disease cases (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease) in advanced countries. Therefore, there is a fertile field for neuroprotective approaches to address this problem. A useful strategy to protect the membrane integrity of cells and reduce inflammatory processes. In this context, the neurons represent particularly vulnerable cells. Thus, a protection strategy should include their membrane preservation and improved anti-inflammatory processes. The contribution of phospholipid derivatives to this issue is crucial and many articles evidence their role in both health and disease. On the other hand, some lipids containing choline actively participate to increase the choline levels in the nervous system. It is acknowledged that the cholinergic system plays a pivotal role both in the central and in the peripheral nervous system. Neurons cannot synthesize choline, which is provided by the diet. The reuptake of ACh and its hydrolysis represent the principal source of choline. Therefore, to cover choline needs, choline-containing lipids may be used. There are different works which demonstrate their neuroprotective features This review article analyzes phospholipid and lipid derivatives that through different mechanisms are involved in these protective processes, although, sometimes the same molecules may behave as neurotoxic elements, therefore, their protective machinery should be detailed better.

Neuroprotective Effects of Choline and Other Methyl Donors

“…These choline-containing phospholipids maintain structural and functional integrity of cellular membranes including neuronal membranes. They also participate in other physiological processes essential for normal brain development and functioning including cellular signaling, neuronal myelination and division [64][65][66]. Choline as a precursor for Ach regulates cholinergic neurotransmission in various brain regions.…”

Therapeutic Potential of Porcine Liver Decomposition Product: New Insights and Perspectives for Microglia-Mediated Neuroinflammation in Neurodegenerative Diseases

“…Induced lipid peroxidation also plays a critical role in cell death pathways, including apoptosis [ 56 ]. Therefore, exogenous phospholipids can provide an important source of bioactive components for the repair of these membranes [ 57 ]. We anticipate that a detailed study of the biological activities of phospholipids identified in PLDP will clarify the currently unknown pathophysiological mechanisms underlying dementia.…”

Lipid Metabolism in Neurons: A Brief Story of a Novel c-Fos-Dependent Mechanism for the Regulation of Their Synthesis

“…Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) are the most abundant and biologically active essential fatty acids in brain phospholipids (Sanchez-Mejia and Mucke, 2010). DHA and its derivatives, the docosanoids, are involved in neuronal survival signaling pathways that resolve inflammation and reduce oxidative stress (Farooqui, 2012; Bazan, 2014; Tayebati, 2018). A significant decrease in DHA levels has been observed in cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) (Bazan et al, 2011; Bazan, 2014; Kim et al, 2014).…”

“…A significant decrease in DHA levels has been observed in cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) (Bazan et al, 2011; Bazan, 2014; Kim et al, 2014). In fact, DHA enriched diets have been proven to be efficient against neurodegeneration and able to prevent AD symptoms (Strokin et al, 2006; Hooijmans et al, 2009; Oster and Pillot, 2010; Tayebati, 2018). In retina neurons, DHA protects cells against oxidative stress and promotes photoreceptor differentiation (Simon et al, 2016).…”