Potential Involvement of Peroxisome in Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer's Disease : Peroxisome and Neurodegeneration.

Peroxisomopathies are rare diseases due to dysfunctions of the peroxisome in which this organelle is either absent or with impaired activities. These diseases, at the exception of type I hyperoxaluria and acatalasaemia, affect the central and peripheral nervous system. Due to the significant impact of peroxisomal abnormalities on the functioning of nerve cells, this has led to an interest in peroxisome in common neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. In these diseases, a role of the peroxisome is suspected on the basis of the fatty acid and phospholipid profile in the biological fluids and the brains of patients. It is also speculated that peroxisomal dysfunctions could contribute to oxidative stress and mitochondrial alterations which are recognized as major players in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Based on clinical and in vitro studies, the data obtained support a potential role of peroxisome in Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.