Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry - Volume 15, Issue 5, 2015

Coumarins represent a large group of 1,2-benzopyrone derivatives which have been identified in many natural sources and synthetized as well. Several studies have shown that their antioxidant capacity is not based only on direct scavenging of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) but other mechanisms are also involved. These include: a) the chelation of transient metals iron and copper, which are known to catalys Read More

Reactive species are continuously produced in vivo by all body tissues. However, when an imbalance between the reactive species production and the endogenous pool of antioxidants occurs, the resulting oxidative stress can somehow intensify the pathophysiological mechanisms of several diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases. Although the aetiology of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases is not yet completely und Read More

Oxidative stress and inflammatory response are important elements of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis, but the role of redox signaling cascade and its cross-talk with inflammatory mediators have not been elucidated in details in this disorder. The review summarizes the facts about redox-signaling cascade in the cells operating through an array of kinases, phosphatases and transcription factors and their downstrea Read More

Lipoic acid (LA) is an antioxidant able to produce its effects in aqueous or lipophilic environments. Lipoate is the conjugate base of lipoic acid, and the most prevalent form of LA under physiological conditions. It presents a highly negative reduction potential, increases the expression of antioxidant enzymes and participates in the recycling of vitamins C and E. Due to these properties, LA is called the "universal antioxidant Read More

Electron spin resonance (ESR), called also electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) together with the spin trapping technique, has allowed us to study and understand how free radicals are involved in various pathologies. In this review, the importance of spin trapping technique in the study of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension and parasitic diseases is discussed. In addition, advances in the use of this technique as Read More

Various plant polyphenols have been recognized as redox active molecules. This review discusses some aspects of polyphenols’ modes of redox action, corresponding structure-activity relationships and their potential to be applied as adjuvants to conventional cytostatic drugs. Polyphenols’ antioxidative capacity has been discussed as the basis for targeting oxidative stress and, consequently, for their chemopreventive and a Read More