The significance of oxidative stress for Alzheimer’s disease

J. Kellersmann, B. Schmitz, Bonn

Besides other factors, oxidative stress is thought to be one of the risk factors for the pathogenesis and/or progression of AD. Oxidative stress occurs when the oxidative balance is disturbed such that reactive oxygen production exceeds cellular antioxidant defenses.

Besides other factors, oxidative stress is thought to be one of the risk factors for the pathogenesis and/or progression of AD. Oxidative stress occurs when the oxidative balance is disturbed such that reactive oxygen production exceeds cellular antioxidant defenses. The brain is more sensitive to oxidative damage than other organs, because, for example, of its minimal cell turnover rate, its increased oxygen requirement, its increased content of polyunsaturated fatty acids and its enhanced metal ion levels. There are many factors that may accelerate the synthesis of free radicals: the Ab -peptide, AGEPs, metal ions, the apoE-allele status and high homocysteine levels. In addition, low vitamin E and C concentrations in the brain are discussed as factors that may promote the risk to develop AD.EU11/01

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease / possible causes / oxidative stress
Ernährungs-Umschau 48 , pp. 436–441

Den vollständigen Artikel in deutscher Sprache finden Sie in Ernährungs-Umschau 11/01 ab Seite 436.