Neurotoxicity and underlying mechanisms of endogenous neurotoxins

Yanlu Cao, Bo Li*, Nafissa Ismail, Kevin Smith, Tianmei Li, Rongji Dai*, Yulin Deng

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Endogenous and exogenous neurotoxins are important factors leading to neurodegenerative diseases. In the 1980s, the discovery that 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) contributes to Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms led to new research investigations on neurotoxins. An abnormal metabolism of endogenous substances, such as condensation of bioamines with endogenous aldehydes, dopamine (DA) oxidation, and kynurenine pathway, can produce endogenous neurotoxins. Neurotoxins may damage the nervous system by inhibiting mitochondrial activity, increasing oxidative stress, increasing neuroinflammation, and up‐regulating proteins related to cell death. This paper reviews the biological synthesis of various known endogenous neurotoxins and their toxic mechanisms.

Original languageEnglish
Article number12805
JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences
Volume22
Issue number23
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2021

Keywords

  • Endogenous neurotoxins
  • Mechanism of action
  • Neurodegenerative diseases
  • Neurotoxicity

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Neurotoxicity and underlying mechanisms of endogenous neurotoxins'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this