Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Background
Overexpression and abnormal accumulation of aggregated alpha-synuclein (alphaS) have been linked to Parkinson's disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies. alphaS can misfold and adopt a variety of morphologies but recent studies implicate oligomeric forms as the most cytotoxic species. Both genetic mutations and chronic exposure to neurotoxins increase alphaS aggregation and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage in PD cell models.Results
Here we show that curcumin can alleviate alphaS-induced toxicity, reduce ROS levels and protect cells against apoptosis. We also show that both intracellular overexpression of alphaS and extracellular addition of oligomeric alphaS increase ROS which induces apoptosis, suggesting that aggregated alphaS may induce similar toxic effects whether it is generated intra- or extracellulary.Conclusions
Since curcumin is a natural food pigment that can cross the blood brain barrier and has widespread medicinal uses, it has potential therapeutic value for treating PD and other neurodegenerative disorders.
SUBMITTER: Wang MS
PROVIDER: S-EPMC2879277 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Apr
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Wang Min S MS Boddapati Shanta S Emadi Sharareh S Sierks Michael R MR
BMC neuroscience 20100430
<h4>Background</h4>Overexpression and abnormal accumulation of aggregated alpha-synuclein (alphaS) have been linked to Parkinson's disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies. alphaS can misfold and adopt a variety of morphologies but recent studies implicate oligomeric forms as the most cytotoxic species. Both genetic mutations and chronic exposure to neurotoxins increase alphaS aggregation and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage i ...[more]