title: Neuroprotective effects of phytochemicals on dopaminergic neuron cultures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, which results in a significant decrease in dopamine levels and consequent functional motor impairment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Although its aetiology is not fully understood, several pathogenic mechanisms, including oxidative stress, have been proposed. Current therapeutic approaches are based on dopamine replacement drugs; these agents, however, are not able to stop or even slow disease progression. Novel therapeutic approaches aimed at acting on the pathways leading to neuronal dysfunction and death are under investigation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In recent years, such natural molecules as polyphenols, alkaloids, and saponins have been shown to have a neuroprotective effect due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of our review is to analyse the most relevant studies worldwide addressing the benefits of some phytochemicals used in in vitro models of Parkinson's disease.
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sandoval-Avila
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Biología Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Ciudad de México, México.
authors.forename: N F
authors.initials: NF
authors.lastname: Diaz
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Neurociencias, IdISSC, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, España.
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Gómez-Pinedo
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Canales-Aguirre
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México.
authors.forename: Y K
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Gutiérrez-Mercado
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Padilla-Camberos
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México.
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Marquez-Aguirre
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México. Electronic address: ediaz@ciatej.mx.
authors.forename: N E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Díaz-Martínez
mesh_terms: D000470:Alkaloids / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D059290:Dopaminergic Neurons / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D064209:Phytochemicals / Q000494:pharmacology*; D059808:Polyphenols / Q000494:pharmacology; D012503:Saponins / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000470:Alkaloids; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D064209:Phytochemicals; D059808:Polyphenols; D012503:Saponins
keywords: Dopaminergic neurons; Enfermedad de Parkinson; Estrés oxidativo; Fitofármacos; Neuronas dopaminérgicas; Neuroprotección; Neuroprotection; Neurotoxicidad; Neurotoxicity; Oxidative stress; Parkinson's disease; Phytochemicals