GSK-3β-mediated regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling as a new therapeutic approach in the treatment of movement disorders

Movement disorders are neurological conditions characterized by involuntary motor movements, such as dystonia, ataxia, chorea myoclonus, tremors, Huntington's disease (HD), and Parkinson's disease (PD). It is classified into two categories: hypokinetic and hyperkinetic movements. Globally, movement disorders are a major cause of death. The pathophysiological process is initiated by excessive ROS generation, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmitters imbalance that lead to motor dysfunction in PD and HD patients. Several endogenous targets including Nrf2 maintain oxidative balance in the body. Activation of Nrf2 signaling is regulated by the enzyme glycogen synthase kinase (GSK-3 beta). In the cytoplasm, inhibition of GSK-3 beta regulates cellular proliferation, homeostasis, and apoptotic process by stimulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2 (Nrf2) pathway which is involved in the elevation of the cellular antioxidant enzymes which controls the ROS generation. The activation of Nrf2 increases the expression of antioxidant response elements (ARE), such as (Hemeoxygenase-1) HO-1, which decreases excessive cellular stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and neuronal degeneration, which is the major cause of motor dysfunction. The present review explores the GSK-3 beta-mediated neuroprotection in various movement disorders through the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway. This review provides a link between GSK-3 beta and the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in the treatment of PD and HD. In addition to that it highlights various GSK-3 beta inhibitors and the Nrf2/HO-1 activators, which exert robust neuroprotection against motor disorders. Therefore, the present review will help in the discovery of new therapy for PD and HD patients.

Automated summary

Movement disorders are neurological conditions that cause involuntary motor movements. Excessive ROS generation, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmitter imbalance contribute to the development of motor dysfunction. The Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway and GSK-3 beta play important roles in neuroprotection against movement disorders.