Current Concepts of Neurodegenerative Mechanisms in Alzheimer’s Disease

Figure 1

Activated Nuclear Factor 2 (Nrf2) by oxidative stress enters nucleus and escalates the transcription of ARE-containing genes. These genes cause the expression of antioxidant enzymes, that is, SOD (superoxide dismutase), Glut (glutathione), GPx (glutathione peroxidase), CAT (catalase), and GST (reduced glutathione). Subsequently, these enzymes will catalyse the detoxification of ROS and protect neuronal cells from damage. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β participates in phosphorylation of tau protein and induce accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) that inhibits Nrf2. Besides inhibiting NRf2 activity, alpha-synuclein and NFT stimulate oxidative stress via ROS production.