Aims: Oxidative stress is an imbalance in the pro-oxidant/antioxidant homeostasis, characterized by excess accumulation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) and free radicals that can be toxic for cells by initiating disruptive peroxidation reactions on cellular substrates such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Neurons have a high content of unsaturated fatty acids which are easily peroxidable by the elevated levels of ROS and RNS produced by brain oxygen metabolism, yielding isoprostanes among which 8-iso-PGF2α derived from arachidonic acid represents a stable marker of lipoperoxidation, in vivo. Numerous findings pointed to the protective role of natural products against oxidative stress in the brain. Methodology: In the present work we evaluated the effects of a natural formula containing bacopa extract, vitamin E, astaxanthin and phosphatidylserine on lipoperoxidation in rat brain cortex, both in vivo and in vitro. Results: The results demonstrate that the natural formula could reduce basal and hydrogen peroxide- and amyloid β peptide-induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by the reduction of 8-iso-PFG2α and ROS/RNS production in the rat brain. Conclusion: Results could account for a rational use of herbal products in the treatment of conditions characterized by increased burden of oxidative stress and defective antioxidant mechanisms, such as aging and neurodegenerative disorders.
A natural formulation increases brain resistance to oxidative stress
MENGHINI, LUIGI;FERRANTE, CLAUDIO;LEPORINI, LIDIA;CHIAVAROLI, Annalisa;SHOHREH, RUGIA;RECINELLA, Lucia;ORLANDO, Giustino;VACCA, Michele;BRUNETTI, Luigi
2014-01-01
Abstract
Aims: Oxidative stress is an imbalance in the pro-oxidant/antioxidant homeostasis, characterized by excess accumulation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) and free radicals that can be toxic for cells by initiating disruptive peroxidation reactions on cellular substrates such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Neurons have a high content of unsaturated fatty acids which are easily peroxidable by the elevated levels of ROS and RNS produced by brain oxygen metabolism, yielding isoprostanes among which 8-iso-PGF2α derived from arachidonic acid represents a stable marker of lipoperoxidation, in vivo. Numerous findings pointed to the protective role of natural products against oxidative stress in the brain. Methodology: In the present work we evaluated the effects of a natural formula containing bacopa extract, vitamin E, astaxanthin and phosphatidylserine on lipoperoxidation in rat brain cortex, both in vivo and in vitro. Results: The results demonstrate that the natural formula could reduce basal and hydrogen peroxide- and amyloid β peptide-induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by the reduction of 8-iso-PFG2α and ROS/RNS production in the rat brain. Conclusion: Results could account for a rational use of herbal products in the treatment of conditions characterized by increased burden of oxidative stress and defective antioxidant mechanisms, such as aging and neurodegenerative disorders.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
