title: Natural Compounds and Neuroprotection: Mechanisms of Action and Novel Delivery Systems.
abstract: Neurodegeneration characterizes pathologic conditions, ranging from Alzheimer's disease to glaucoma, with devastating social and economic effects. It is a complex process implicating a series of molecular and cellular events, such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, protein misfolding, excitotoxicity and inflammation. Natural compounds, because of their broad spectrum of pharmacological and biological activities, could be possible candidates for the management of such multifactorial morbidities. However, their therapeutic potential against neurodegenerative diseases has been hampered by their poor bioavailability and subsequent insufficient delivery to the brain. This article provides an overview of the molecular mechanisms through which natural compounds exert their neuroprotective effects, as well as the development of novel natural compound-loaded delivery systems that could improve their neuroavailability.
authors: Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology - FORTH, Division of Biomedical Research, Ioannina, Greece Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
authors: Eleni
authors: E
authors: Bagli
authors: Department of Pathology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Goussia
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
authors: Marilita M
authors: MM
authors: Moschos
authors: Department of Pathology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
authors: Niki
authors: N
authors: Agnantis
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece gkitsos@cc.uoi.gr.
authors: Georgios
authors: G
authors: Kitsos
mesh_terms: D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001682:Biological Availability; D001688:Biological Products / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D000066829:Neuroprotection / Q000187:drug effects; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D001688:Biological Products
keywords: Neuroprotection; degenerative diseases; drug delivery systems; flavonoids; natural compounds; neurodegeneration; review