| [ Summary ] |
There is accumulating evidence that supports the free radical theory of aging. Since brain tissue contains large amounts of unsaturated fatty acids and catecholamines, which are thought to be target molecules for free radical-induced peroxidation and neuronal death, endogenously produced oxidative stress can lead to damage to lipids, enzymes and DNA associated with aging of the brain. This, in turn, may be associated with various alterations in membrane structures, enzyme activities and mitochondrial dysfunction. Future studies must directly demonstrate what role free radicals play in neuronal death in the aging process in the brain. In addition, it is important to examine the beneficial effects of antioxidant supplementation, including α-tocopherol, N-tert-α-phenylbutylnitrone (PBN), centrophenoxine and deprenyl. These agents may retard some of the biochemical changes in the aging brain. Thus, recent strategies for anti-aging therapy are mainly based on the free radical theory . |