Oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders: Mechanisms and implications

Abstract

Neuroprotection is a proactive approach to safeguarding the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord , peripheral nerves, by preventing or limiting damage to nerve cells , other com- ponents. It primarily defends the central nervous system against injury from acute and progressive neuro- degenerative disorders. Oxidative stress, an imbalance between the body's natural defense mechanisms and the generation of reactive oxygen species, is crucial in developing neurological disorders. Due to its high metabolic rate and oxygen consumption, the brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress. Excessive ROS damages the essential biomolecules, leading to cellular malfunction and neurodegenera- tion. Several neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis , ischemic stroke, are associated with oxidative stress. Understanding the impact of oxidative stress in these conditions is crucial for developing new treatment methods. Researchers are exploring using antioxidants , other molecules to mitigate oxidative stress, aiming to prevent or slow down the progression of brain diseases. By understanding the intricate interplay between oxidative stress and neurological disorders, scientists hope to pave the way for innovative therapeutic and preventive ap- proaches, ultimately improving individuals' living standards. 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Pharmaceutical Association and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).