Neuroprotection through Steroids is the biological phenomenon and clinical strategy of utilizing endogenous or exogenous steroid hormones to shield neurons and glial cells from damage, promote neuronal survival, and mitigate the progression of neurodegenerative processes. This protective action is crucial for maintaining cognitive function, mood stability, and the structural integrity of the central nervous system throughout the aging process. Specific neurosteroids, such as allopregnanolone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), are recognized for their potent protective capabilities.
Origin
The term combines the medical goal of ‘Neuroprotection’ with the mechanism of action provided by ‘Steroids,’ which are lipid-soluble signaling molecules. This concept emerged from the discovery that many steroid hormones are synthesized de novo in the brain, where they modulate neuronal function independent of peripheral endocrine glands. Research intensified in the late 20th century, revealing the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic roles of these compounds in models of brain injury and disease.
Mechanism
Steroid hormones exert their protective effects through multiple pathways, including genomic and non-genomic mechanisms. They bind to intracellular receptors to modulate the transcription of genes involved in antioxidant defense and inflammation resolution. Non-genomically, neurosteroids can rapidly modulate the activity of neurotransmitter receptors, such as the GABA-A receptor, thereby reducing neuronal excitability and excitotoxicity. Furthermore, they support mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative stress, two key factors in preventing neuronal cell death.
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