Mitochondrial functions in astrocytes: Neuroprotective implications from oxidative damage by rotenone

Mitochondria are critical for cell survival and normal development, as they provide energy to the cell, buffer intracellular calcium, and regulate apoptosis. They are also major targets of oxidative stress, which causes bioenergetics failure in astrocytes through the activation of different mechanisms and production of oxidative molecules. This review provides an insightful overview of the recent discoveries and strategies for mitochondrial protection in astrocytes. We also discuss the importance of rotenone as an experimental approach for assessing oxidative stress in the brain and delineate some molecular strategies that enhance mitochondrial function in astrocytes as a promising strategy against brain damage.

► Oxidative stress is implicated in many brain pathologies.
► Mitochondria is the source and target of free radicals.
► Rotenone is useful to assess oxidative stress in the brain.
► Mitochondrial impairment in astrocytes succumbs to neuronal cell death.
► Protection of mitochondria in astrocytes enhances neuronal survival.