Amyloid β-peptide-associated free radical oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, and Alzheimer's disease

Given the increasing evidence of oxidative stress in AD brain and studies from different perspectives that appear to show a converging, central role for Aβ in the pathogenesis and etiology of AD, insight into Aβ- associated free radical oxidative stress will likely lead to a greater understanding of AD and, potentially, to better therapeutic strategies in this disorder. This article outlined methods to investigate markers of oxidative stress induced by Aβ in brain membrane systems. Especially important are markers for protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation, and ROS generation by Aβ. Oxidative stress and its sequelae are likely related to both necrotic and apoptotic mechanisms of neurotoxicity, and Aβ-associated free radical oxidative stress may be of fundamental importance in Alzheimer's disease etiology and pathogenesis. The methods described here provide some means for investigating this possibility.