Tommaso Cassano, Lorenzo Pace, Gaurav Bedse, Angelo Michele Lavecchia, Federico De Marco, Silvana Gaetani and Gaetano Serviddio Pages 185 - 197 ( 13 )
The aetiology of major neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) is still unknown, but increasing evidences suggest that glutamate and mitochondria are two prominent players in the oxidative stress (OS) process that underlie these illnesses. Although AD and PD have distinct pathological and clinical features, OS is a common mechanism contributing to neuronal damage. Glutamate is an important neurotransmitter in neurons and glial cells and is strongly dependent on calcium homeostasis and on mitochondrial function. In the present work we focused on glutamate- induced calcium signaling and its relation to the mitochondrial dysfunction with cell death processes. In addition, we have discussed how alterations in this pathway may lead or aggravate the neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, this review aims to stimulate further studies on this issue and thereby engage a new perspective regarding the design of possible therapeutic agents or the identification of biomarkers.
Alzheimer disease, glutamate, oxidative stress, Parkinson disease, mitochondria.
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto 1, Foggia 71100, Italy.