Chapters authored
Ion Channels and Neurodegenerative Disease Aging Related By Marika Cordaro, Salvatore Cuzzocrea and Rosanna Di Paola
Many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and age-related disorders are caused due to altered function or mutation in ion channels. Ion channels are important in maintaining cell homeostasis because they affect membrane potential and play a critical role in neurotransmitter secretion. As a result, it appears that a potential antiaging therapy strategy should consider treating multiple diseases at the same time or focusing on identifying a common target among the biological processes implicated in aging. In this chapter, we will go over some of the fundamental ideas of ion channel function in aging, as well as an overview of how ion channels operate in some of the most common aging-related disorders.
Part of the book: Ion Transporters
Dietary Regulation of Keap1/Nrf2/ARE Pathway: Focus on Acai Berries and Pistachios and Cashews as Natural Food Sources By Rosanna Di Paola, Salvatore Cuzzocrea, Roberta Fusco and Marika Cordaro
Inflammation is a biological reaction to oxidative stress in which cell starts producing proteins, enzymes, and other substances to restore homeostasis, while oxidative stress could be intrinsically a biochemical imbalance of the physiologically redox status of the intracellular environment. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway, which controls the transcription of numerous antioxidant genes that protect cellular homeostasis and detoxification genes that process and eliminate all toxic compounds and substances before they can cause damage. The Nrf2 pathway is the heart of the daily biological response to oxidative stress. Transient activation of Nrf2 by diet can upregulate antioxidant enzymes to protect cells against oxidative stress inducers. In this chapter, we summarize the effects of some novel foods in the regulation of the Nrf2/ARE pathway and its cellular mechanisms.
Part of the book: Recent Developments in Antioxidants from Natural Sources
Oxidative Stress and Reproduction Health: Physiology, Pathology, and Clinical Biomarkers By Ramona D’Amico, Salvatore Cuzzocrea, Marika Cordaro and Rosanna Di Paola
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are free radicals derived from oxygen during normal cellular metabolism. Cells, under aerobic conditions, have a defense system against ROS, and in normal circumstances, there is an appropriate balance between prooxidants and antioxidants. When an overproduction of ROS develops or the body fails to eliminate ROS in excess, oxidative stress arises, during which ROS accumulate and damage cells and tissues. ROS plays a crucial role in the physiological processes and signaling pathways associated in both male and female fertility. In females, oxidative stress acts as a mediator in the modulation of important ovarian functions, and its complications such as abortions, recurrent pregnancy losses, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. In males, ROS plays an important role in normal physiological processes such as capacitation, hyperactivation, acrosome reaction, and sperm-oocyte fusion to ensure appropriate fertilization. However, high concentrations of ROS cause sperm pathologies (ATP depletion) in the form of inadequate axonemal phosphorylation or lipid peroxidation, resulting in a loss of sperm motility and viability. This chapter will highlight the mechanisms, production, physiological, and pathophysiological roles of ROS in relation to the male and female reproductive system, and recent advances in diagnostic methods that use ROS as biochemical markers.
Part of the book: Reactive Oxygen Species
Biomarkers in Aquatic Ecotoxicology: Understanding the Effects of Xenobiotics on the Health of Aquatic Organisms By Mahdi Banaee, Davide Di Paola, Salvatore Cuzzocrea, Marika Cordaro and Caterina Faggio
A measurable and/or observable change in a biological or biochemical reaction, encompassing behavioral alterations as well as molecular to physiological levels, is referred to as a biomarker. Biomarker responses must be ecologically meaningful and show exposure to the harmful consequences of environmental stressors. When assessing the condition of an ecosystem, biomarkers are regarded as early warning systems. They are useful for evaluating in-situ chemical exposure and the harmful impacts of contaminants on biota. Although they are assessed on an individual basis, the purpose of their reactions is to forecast population-level consequences. We hope to give a broad definition of biomarkers and xenobiotics in this chapter, as well as an overview of the processes involved in their biotransformation and detoxification in aquatic organisms.
Part of the book: Biochemical and Physiological Response During Oxidative Stress - From Invertebrates to Vertebrates [Working title]