Volume 31, Issue 5, May 2015, Pages 621–630
Review
Cholesterol overload impairing cerebellar function: The promise of natural products
Highlights
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- Structural and function of cerebellar cortex and importance of cholesterol metabolism.
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- Cerebellar toxicity of cholesterol and development of Alzheimer disease.
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- Natural products and reduction of cholesterol neurotoxicity.
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- Statin drugs importance and side effects.
Abstract
The
cerebellum is the part of the brain most involved in controlling motor
and cognitive function. The surface becomes convoluted, forming folia
that have a characteristic internal structure of three layers including
molecular, Purkinje cell, and granular layer. This complex neural
network gives rise to a massive signal-processing capability.
Cholesterol is a major constituent, derived by de novo synthesis and the
blood–brain barrier. Cholesterol is tightly regulated between neurons
and glia—that is, astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes—and is
essential for normal brain development. The axon is wrapped by myelin
(cholesterol, phospholipids, and glycosphingolipids) and made up of
membranes of oligodendrocytes, separated by periodic gaps in the myelin
sheath, called nodes of Ranvier. Hypercholesterolemia is associated with
increased oxidative stress and the development of neurotoxicity and
Alzheimer's disease. Treatment with natural products has been found to
support improved brain function and reduce low-density-lipoprotein
cholesterol level. Fish oil is one such product; among the many plant
products are: Morus alba leaves, fruit, and bark; pomegranate fruit and peel; Barley β - glucans; date palm; and Allium sativum. The therapeutic potential was discussed in relation with the antilipidemic drugs, statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors).
Keywords
- Cerebellar cortex;
- Hypercholesterolemia;
- Statin drugs;
- Natural products
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+20 502254850.
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
