Potential Novel Therapies for Neurodevelopmental Diseases Targeting Oxidative Stress

Abstract

Neurodevelopmental disorders are a category of diseases that is not yet fully understood. Due to their common traits and pathways, often it is difficult to differentiate between them based on their symptoms only. A series of hypotheses are trying to define their etiology, such as neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and immunology, but none have managed to explain their multifactorial manifestation. One feature that may link all theories is that of oxidative stress, with a redox imbalance as well as several other markers of oxidative damage (on lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids) being observed in both postmortem samples of the brain of patients with schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. However, the implication of oxidative stress in pathology is still distrustfully looked upon. For this purpose, in the current paper, we were interested in reviewing the implications of oxidative stress in these disorders as well as the impact of N-acetylcysteine on the oxidative status with a focus on the glutathione level and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor. We were also interested in finding papers targeting the use of antioxidant properties of different plant extracts.

Chronic N-Acetylcysteine Treatment Prevents Amphetamine-Induced Hyperactivity in Heterozygous Disc1 Mutant Mice, a Putative Prodromal Schizophrenia Animal Model

“…NAC is the acetylated form of cysteine, which could be used for synthesizing the potent endogenous antioxidant glutathione. Mounting evidence shows augmented oxidative stress in neuropsychiatric diseases and corresponding animal models [ 67 , 68 , 69 ], and dietary supplements of an antioxidant such as NAC have shown substantial benefits [ 38 , 39 , 70 ]. Our results were in line with these reports.…”

Oxidative Stress and Diabetes Mellitus: Unravelling the Intricate Connection: A Comprehensive Review

“…To further boost the therapeutic efficiency of antioxidants, research is being done on how well nanoparticles and nanocarriers can carry antioxidants to specific cellular compartments or tissues, enhance their bioavailability, and stabilize them. Promising advances in gene therapy and editing technologies have the ability to directly modify genes implicated in antioxidant defense systems, which could raise endogenous antioxidant enzyme levels or change pathways connected to OS [96,97]. Furthermore, studies explore bioactive substances derived from plants and other natural sources that possess strong antioxidant capabilities, offering possible treatments for disorders associated with OS.…”

From Plants to Psycho-Neurology: Unravelling the Therapeutic Benefits of Bioactive Compounds in Brain Disorders

“…In fact, the ASD postmortem brain samples analysis indicated the presence of brain mitochondrial dysfunction proved by the existence of discrepancies in gene expression, a decrease in the electron transport chain activity as well as a decrease in the tricarboxylic acid cycle enzyme [ 41 ]. Furthermore, the contribution of oxidative stress was also observed as one of the causes of this disorder [ 42 ]. So, it not surprising that several studies found a connection between dietary deficiencies and ASD, as a consequence.…”

“…So, it not surprising that several studies found a connection between dietary deficiencies and ASD, as a consequence. To help ASD individuals, several plant-based bioactive compounds have been studied as a complement to ASD therapy [ 42 , 43 ].…”

“…Studies involving neuroimaging indicated that one of the underlying causes of ADHD is the presence of abnormalities in the prefrontal and parietal brain area. Additionally, from a neurobiological and cellular point of view, clinical symptoms of ADHD have been associated with changes in the dopaminergic and noradrenergic system as well as with glutamatergic pyramidal neurons and glutamatergic neurotransmission [ 42 , 57 ].…”