Glutathione-Mediated Neuroprotective Effect of Purine Derivatives

Numerous basic studies have reported on the neuroprotective properties of several purine derivatives such as caffeine and uric acid (UA). Epidemiological also shown inverse association appropriate intake or serum urate levels with neurodegenerative diseases Alzheimer disease (AD) Parkinson’s (PD). The well-established mechanisms UA involve adenosine A2A receptor antagonism antioxidant activity, respectively. Our recent study found that another derivative, paraxanthine, has effects similar to those UA. These can promote neuronal cysteine uptake through excitatory amino carrier protein 1 (EAAC1) increase glutathione (GSH) in brain. This review summarizes GSH-mediated derivatives. Considering fact GSH depletion is a manifestation brains AD PD patients, administration may be new therapeutic approach prevent delay onset these diseases.