Unraveling the Vicious Cycle: Oxidative Stress and Neurotoxicity in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Abstract

Oxidative stress is characterized by an imbalance between the production and elimination of free radicals, where the rate of free radical generation surpasses the rate of their removal. This imbalance can lead to tissue and organ damage, contributing to the pathogenesis of various diseases. The nervous system, due to its high oxygen consumption, is particularly susceptible to oxidative stress. Numerous neurotoxins can induce neurotoxicity through oxidative stress, thereby contributing to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Furthermore, neurotoxicity can exacerbate oxidative stress by disrupting mitochondrial metabolism and impairing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, thereby intensifying neurotoxic effects. This review examines the mechanisms underlying the interaction between oxidative stress and neurotoxicity and explores strategies to mitigate neurotoxicity by reducing oxidative stress, with the aim of informing future clinical approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.