Neuroprotection in HIV-positive drug users: implications for antioxidant therapy.
Impaired neuroprotection resulting from oxidative stress has been implicated in neurodegeneration in a number of pathologic conditions of the brain, including both subcortical and cortical type dementias. Production of excessive oxidative stress, moreover, can lead to elevated levels of certain proinflammatory cytokines that are considered to be contributing factors to neuronal injury and are evident in HIV-related dementia as well as in other neurodegenerative conditions. Inhibitors of oxidative damage could thus be promising therapeutic agents for preventing progressive nerve cell death and slowing the advance of neurodegenerative disease. The potential of antioxidant therapy to provide neuroprotection is substantiated by studies demonstrating reduced oxidative stress with supplementation and lower risk for cognitive impairment with higher plasma antioxidant levels.
Shor-Posner
Gail
G
Department of Psychiatry, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida, USA.
Lecusay
Robert
R
Morales
Guillermo
G
Campa
Adriana
A
Miguez-Burbano
Maria-Jose
MJ
D015526:AIDS Dementia Complex / Q000517:prevention & control; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D012643:Selenium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*
D000975:Antioxidants; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D012643:Selenium