Role of Pollution-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Neurodegenerative Diseases, and the Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s Potential Remediation

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) have become the focus of extensive research efforts due to their global prevalence, intricate pathogenesis, and formidable therapeutic challenges. The confluence of genetic, temporal, and environmental factors underscores the significance of environmental pollutants (EPs), which have proliferated alongside societal development, as potential contributors to NDs. While a mounting body of evidence from epidemiological, animal, and in vitro studies continues to emerge, a comprehensive and definitive understanding of the detrimental effects of EPs on NDs remains elusive. Various treatment modalities have been proposed for addressing neurodegeneration, each with limitations related to efficacy, brain penetration, and the diversity of potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we explore the literature elucidating the role of EPs in the pathogenesis of NDs and the potential mitigating influence of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Our key findings are as follows: (1) A substantial body of epidemiological evidence highlights a robust positive association between NDs and a wide array of EPs. (2) The principal mechanisms under consideration include oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, coupled with concomitant issues such as mitochondrial dysfunction, disruptions in Ca2+ homeostasis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and excitotoxicity. We place particular emphasis on the interplay of these mechanisms and their collective contribution to the pathogenic hallmarks of NDs. (3) Recognizing the advantages of TCM, we propose its potential applicability in the treatment of NDs, drawing from evidence derived from animal and cell experiments, as well as successful clinical cases.