Oxidative Stress in Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Key Driver in Impairing Skeletal Muscle Health

The fine regulation of antioxidant systems and intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is responsible for cellular redox balance. The main organelles responsible for ROS production are mitochondria, and they complete this process through the electron transport chain. These potentially harmful molecules are buffered by enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems. Oxidative stress is determined by an imbalance between the production and clearance of ROS in favor of the accumulation of these detrimental species, which generate cellular damage by interacting with macromolecules. In neurodegenerative diseases, oxidative stress has been demonstrated to be a crucial component, both causal and consequential to the disease itself. On the other hand, neurodegeneration disrupts neuromuscular junctions, leading to reduced muscle use and subsequent atrophy. Additionally, systemic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction associated with neurodegenerative diseases exacerbate muscle degeneration. Thus, sarcopenia and atrophy are common consequences of neurodegeneration and play a significant role in these disorders. Regarding this, ROS have been defined as promoting sarcopenia, stimulating the expression of genes typical of this condition. Overall, this review aims to contribute to filling the gap in the literature regarding the consequences at the muscular level of the relationship between oxidative stress and neurodegenerative diseases.