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Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU)

Publish Date: 28 Dec 2020

Potential Therapeutic Role of Phytochemicals to Mitigate Mitochondrial Dysfunctions in Alzheimer’s Disease

Dr. Md. Abdul Hannan

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Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a
decline in cognitive function and neuronal damage. Although the precise pathobiology of AD remains
elusive, accumulating evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the underlying
causes of AD. Mutations in mitochondrial or nuclear DNA that encode mitochondrial components
may cause mitochondrial dysfunction. In particular, the dysfunction of electron transport chain
complexes, along with the interactions of mitochondrial pathological proteins are associated with
mitochondrial dysfunction in AD. Mitochondrial dysfunction causes an imbalance in the production
of reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative stress (OS) and vice versa. Neuroinflammation
is another potential contributory factor that induces mitochondrial dysfunction. Phytochemicals
or other natural compounds have the potential to scavenge oxygen free radicals and enhance
cellular antioxidant defense systems, thereby protecting against OS-mediated cellular damage.
Phytochemicals can also modulate other cellular processes, including autophagy and mitochondrial
biogenesis. Therefore, pharmacological intervention via neuroprotective phytochemicals can be a
potential strategy to combat mitochondrial dysfunction as well as AD. This review focuses on the
role of phytochemicals in mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of AD.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; mitochondrial dysfunctions; phytochemicals; reactive oxygen
species (ROS); autophagy

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