Abstract
Biochemical integrity of the brain is vital for normal functioning of the central nervous system (CNS). One of the contributing factors of cerebral biochemical impairment is a chemical process called oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs upon excessive free radical production due to insufficiency of counteracting antioxidant response system. The brain with its high oxygen consumption and lipid-rich content is highly susceptible to oxidative stress. Therefore, oxidative stress-induced damage to the brain has a strong potential to negatively impact normal CNS functions. While oxidative stress is historically considered to be involved mainly in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease, its involvement in neuropsychiatric disorders including anxiety disorders and depression is beginning to be recognized. This review is a discussion of relevance of cerebral oxidative stress to impairment of emotional and mental well-being.
- The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics