Identification of naturally derived compounds for reducing excitotoxicity

Excitoxicity is a neuronal death process induced by the massive release of the excitatory amino acids; it is triggered by glutamate receptor activation and is the main cause underlying epileptic seizures. Excitotoxicity is considered one of the most common hallmark in different neurodegenerative diseases. Preventing neuroinflammation can exert neuroprotective effects and reduce the long term sequelae of brain damage. Several studies demonstrated that Ellagic and Punicic acids (EA, PA), found in several fruits including pomegranates, have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether these compounds were able to reduce oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in an in vitro and in vivo models of kainic acid-induced excitotoxicity, but also investigate the role of apoptosis and autophagy in this pathological condition.