Protective action of green tea catechins in neuronal mitochondria during aging

Abstract

Mitochondria are central players in the regulation of cell homeostasis. They are essential for energy production but at the same time, reactive oxygen species accumulate as byproducts of the electron transport chain causing mitochondrial damage. In the central nervous system, senescence and neurodegeneration occur as a consequence of mitochondrial oxidative insults and impaired electron transfer. The accumulation of several oxidation products in neurons during aging prompts the idea that consumption of antioxidant compounds may delay neurodegenerative processes. Tea, one of the most consumed beverages in the world, presents benefits to human health that have been associated to its abundance in polyphenols, mainly catechins, that possess powerful antioxidant properties in vivo and in vitro. In this review, the focus will be placed on the effects of green tea catechins in neuronal mitochondria. Although these compounds reach the brain in small quantities, there are several possible targets, signaling pathways and molecular machinery impinging in the mitochondria that will be highlighted. Accumulated evidence thus far seems to indicate that catechins help prevent neurodegeneration and delay brain function decline.

Evaluation of Tea Extract as an Inhibitor of Oxidative Stress in Prostate Cells

“…Another study found that consumption of teas rich in catechins could reduce body fat [12]. In another study, Dr. Assuncao found that the catechins in green tea slows down the brain function decline during aging [13]. However, this was the first study to evaluate the protective effect of different types of tea on protecting prostate cells from oxidative stress.…”

Plant-Derived Antioxidants Protect the Nervous System From Aging by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress

“…Catechin and its derivatives are the main functional components in tea and many studies have shown that the effects of catechin on mitochondria-related pathways can prevent neurodegeneration and delay the decline of brain function (Assuncao and Andrade, 2015). Catechin protects Aβ-and 6-OHDA-induced neuronal apoptosis by activating the protein kinase C (PKC) pathway and PI3K/AKT, which inhibits the MAPKs pathway (Chen et al, 2018).…”

Preventive Effects of Catechins on Cardiovascular Disease

“…Catechins are polyphenolic phytochemicals that are widely distributed in food and medicinal plants, especially in all kinds of tea, and endow tea with various health benefits [1,2,3]. A growing number of studies have linked intake of catechins-rich foods with the prevention of human chronic diseases, and laboratory studies have demonstrated the potential preventive activity of catechins in laboratory models of cardiovascular disease [4].…”