ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we discuss the relationship between increased oxidative stress and cellular ageing, with particular emphasis on the physiological and pathological changes associated with ageing of the brain. In this regard, focus will be on the role of the antioxidant enzymes during cellular ageing, and the consequences of an altered antioxidant balance. We will highlight the role that antioxidant genes play in the regulation of senescent-like changes both in in vitro and in vivo models, and how perturbations of the antioxidant pathways may lead to clinical outcomes associated with ageing, e.g. neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, this chapter will illustrate how an altered antioxidant ratio as a direct consequence of the over-expression of the antioxidant gene, Sod1, leads to ageing changes associated with the Down syndrome (DS) phenotype. In this manner it is hoped to emphasize the importance of the antioxidant genes in the regulation of redox status during cellular ageing, and how perturbations of redox balance may have pathological consequences associated with ageing.
