The inhibitory effects of berry-derived flavonoids against neurodegenerative processes

Abstract

Evidence suggests that a combination of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and the formation of endogenous neurotoxins contribute to the underlying neuronal death associated with neurodegenerative diseases. In this study we have investigated the ability of the berry-derived flavonoids to protect against neuronal damage induced by neuroinflammation and the neurotoxin 5-S-cysteinyl-dopamine. The flavanols (+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin, but not the anthocyanidin pelargonidin, were observed to attenuate LPS/IFN-γ-induced TNF-α production in glial cells and associated neuronal injury. In contrast, pre-treatment of primary cortical neurons with pelargonidin, (+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin (0.1 and 0.3 μM) resulted in concentration-dependant protection against 5-S-cysteinyl-dopamine-induced neurotoxicity. Together these data suggest that berry-derived flavonoids may offer some protection against the neuronal injury relevant to the aetiology of the Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.