Neuroprotective properties of chitosan and its derivatives.
Neuronal cells are extremely vulnerable and have a limited capacity for self-repair in response to injury. For those reasons, there is obvious interest in limiting neuronal damage. Mechanisms and strategies used in order to protect against neuronal injury, apoptosis, dysfunction, and degeneration in the central nervous system are recognized as neuroprotection. Neuroprotection could be achieved through several classes of natural and synthetic neuroprotective agents. However, considering the side effects of synthetic neuroprotective agents, the search for natural neuroprotective agents has received great attention. Recently, an increasing number of studies have identified neuroprotective properties of chitosan and its derivatives; however, there are some significant challenges that must be overcome for the success of this approach. Hence, the objective of this review is to discuss neuroprotective properties of chitosan and its derivatives.
Pangestuti
Ratih
R
Marine Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737, Korea. ratihpangestuti@pknu.ac.kr
Kim
Se-Kwon
SK
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D048271:Chitosan / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D009410:Nerve Degeneration / Q000188:drug therapy; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D048271:Chitosan