Aging is the greatest risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases in the CNS, including two major age-related neuroclegenerative diseases, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Understanding the biology of aging is pivotal in management of patients with neuroclegenerative disorders. Genetically programmed aging and oxidative stress-elicited aging are two mechanisms of aging that are likely intertwined, leading to neuroclegenerative damages. It is a commonly accepted that neurodegenerative diseases are the consequences of overproduction of oxidative stress or a result of compromised antioxidative mechanisms regardless of their aetiology. In aged brain, microglia increase in number and switch to a more pro-inflammatory state, providing a basis for greater inflammatory responses to inflammogens. Unfortunately, these unfavorable changes are often coupled with compromised capacity to remove oxidative products, allowing mutual perpetuation of inflammation and oxidative damage. This review highlights roles of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and oxidative stress and association of these two. The possible novel therapeutic approaches are discussed in the context of focusing only on those possessing anti-inflammatory or antioxidative properties.
