Oxidative Stress-Related Pharmacological Interventions Targeting CNS Disorders

Dear Colleagues,

Oxidative stress (OS) plays a prominent role in the pathogenesis of many CNS disorders. This devastating condition results from an imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their elimination by endogenous mechanisms of antioxidative defence systems, including various small non-enzymatic molecules and antioxidative enzymes. In comparison with other tissues, the brain is particularly vulnerable to ROS production and oxidative injury. Increased levels of ROS disturb the activity of redox-sensitive signalling pathways and induce oxidative damage and structural modifications of nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, threatening neuronal functioning and ultimately progressing to neuronal death and behavioural and cognitive deficits. Together with accompanying neuroinflammation, uncontrolled immune response and increased release of proinflammatory mediators, enhanced ROS levels are one of the main mechanisms driving the onset and progression of various neurological disorders. OS is a hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and psychiatric illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia. All these conditions require long-term standard therapy, often with disappointing results and unpleasant side-effects. Many natural compounds, either originating from dietary sources or dietary supplements, target various mechanisms underlying the impairment of brain functioning. Polyphenols in particular display powerful antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects and may regulate redox-dependent signalling pathways. These multilevel pharmacological possibilities and the better safety profile make them a promising strategy for alleviating symptoms of OS-initiated neuronal injury in CNS disorders.

We cordially invite authors to submit their latest research findings or comprehensive overviews bringing innovative perspectives regarding the pharmacological potential of antioxidants in alleviating the development, progression and symptom severity of OS-accompanied CNS disorders. We welcome studies that shed light on novel molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of antioxidants in various pathological conditions in vitro and in preclinical models but would like to encourage the submission of the results from human studies. Although cellular and animal models are both valuable and informative, novel advances in clinical trials are urgently needed to better understand the pharmacological potential of endogenous, dietary or synthetic antioxidants and synergistic interactions of their multimodal ways of action, predominantly related to endogenous mechanisms of antioxidative defence, regulation of redox-regulated signalling pathways and interplay with neuroinflammatory mechanisms, in the prevention and treatment of CNS disorders. 

Dr. Maja Jazvinšćak Jembrek
Dr. Josipa Vlainić
Guest Editors

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• redox imbalance
• oxidative stress
• natural and synthetic antioxidants
• endogenous antioxidative defence systems
• neuroinflammation
• cell signalling
• clinical trials