Degeneration of neuronal cells due to oxidative stress - microglial contribution

Various neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have been causally linked to the generation of free radicals and oxidative stress. In this review, we discuss the implication of oxidative stress in neuronal death and point out the role of intracellular signaling pathways leading to activation of transcription factors associated with cell death and repair. In particular, the impact of microglia as contributors in promoting oxidative stress in neurodegeneration is highlighted. Finally, pivotal molecular targets for drug therapies of brain disorders are reported. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.