Oxidative stress in genetic mouse models of Parkinsons disease

Abstract

There is extensive evidence in Parkinsons disease of a link between oxidative stress and some of the monogenically inherited Parkinsons disease-associated genes. This paper focuses on the importance of this link and potential impact on neuronal function. Basic mechanisms of oxidative stress, the cellular antioxidant machinery, and the main sources of cellular oxidative stress are reviewed. Moreover, attention is given to the complex interaction between oxidative stress and other prominent pathogenic pathways in Parkinsons disease, such as mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, an overview of the existing genetic mouse models of Parkinsons disease is given and the evidence of oxidative stress in these models highlighted. Taken into consideration the importance of ageing and environmental factors as a risk for developing Parkinsons disease, gene-environment interactions in genetically engineered mouse models of Parkinsons disease are also discussed, highlighting the role of oxidative damage in the interplay between genetic makeup, environmental stress, and ageing in Parkinsons disease. © Copyright 2012 Mustafa Varin et al.