Oxidative Stress and Mineralocorticoid Receptor Signaling in the Brain: Possible Therapeutic Targets for Dementia - Abstract
Glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptor signals are important for memory formation, salt cravings, sympathetic tone and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA)
axis control in the brain. Exacerbations of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptor
signaling cause atherosclerosis, cognitive dysfunction, and depression. Mineralocorticoid
activity is modulated by oxidative stress, and chronic stress desensitize further nongenomic mineralocorticoid receptor action. In patients with chronic diseases such as
diabetes and hypertension, oxidative stress in the brain is increased, which alters the
balance of the HPA axis, resulting in an elevated risk of dementia. Therefore, oxidative
stress and mineralocorticoid receptor blockade are possible therapeutic targets for
cognitive dysfunction.