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  4. Antioxidant Alternatives in the Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Comprehensive Review

Antioxidant Alternatives in the Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Comprehensive Review

Frontiers in Physiology, 2020 · DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00063 · Published: February 6, 2020

NeurologyGenetics

Simple Explanation

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease where motor neurons are lost. Oxidative stress may contribute to neurodegeneration in ALS. This article explores nicotinamide riboside and pterostilbene as potential ALS therapies. Oxidative stress happens when there is an imbalance between free radical production and the body's ability to neutralize them. This imbalance can damage cells. Antioxidants are compounds that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. The review examines nicotinamide riboside and pterostilbene as therapeutic strategies in ALS.

Study Duration
Not specified
Participants
Not specified
Evidence Level
Review

Key Findings

  • 1
    Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are implicated in ALS development and progression.
  • 2
    Restoration of NAD+ levels through nicotinamide riboside (NR) supplementation may provide mitochondrial resistance against redox balance impairment.
  • 3
    Pterostilbene may protect against ALS via activation of metabolic pathways related to protection against OS and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Research Summary

Oxidative stress is involved in neuroinflammation and the progression of ALS, creating a 'vicious cycle' that reduces ATP biosynthesis and increases ROS levels. Currently, there is no cure for ALS, but antioxidant substances have been proposed as a possible therapeutic strategy to increase the body’s antioxidant defenses and maintain redox balance. Restoration of NAD+ levels by administering the precursor NR could play a key role in diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and OS.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Strategy

Antioxidant substances can be used as a therapeutic strategy in ALS to increase the body’s antioxidant defenses and maintain the redox balance.

NAD+ restoration

Restoration of NAD+ levels by administering the precursor NR could play a key role in diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and OS.

Combination therapy

Treatment with NR and PTER is effective and safe and therefore it could be a promising therapeutic strategy in ALS, due to its action on the pathogenesis of this disease.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Inconclusive results for some antioxidants.
  • 2
    Need for more studies on antioxidant substances.
  • 3
    Complex interaction of factors makes definitive determination difficult.

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