Mitochondria play role in pathogenesis of AD and estrogen-induced neuroprotection

As the major source of free radicals in cells, mitochondria contribute to the high levels of oxidative stress believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Now, a new study from the laboratory of Dr. Roberta Brinton, University of Southern California, demonstrates that estrogen reduces this oxidative stress caused by the mitochondria while increasing the ability of the mitochondria to generate energy – important since there is usually an energy deficit in the Alzheimer brain.