Parkinson's disease (PD) is a systemic neurodegenerative disease characterized by tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and stooping posture. When more than 60% of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the brain have died, motor symptoms manifest in PD. Currently, oxidative stress (OS) is considered to be one of the leading factors provoking death of dopaminergic neurons in PD. This review is concerned with the role of polyamines in PD, especially focusing on their role in OS induction.

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... amines (putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine and spermine) are involved in many molecular mechanisms, including cell proliferation and differentiation, gene transcription and translation, modulation of the functional activity of ion channels and receptors, and other vital processes. It is worth noting that under physiological conditions polyamines are antioxidants. It has been shown that spermine oxidase (SMOX) is up-regulated in PD, activating polyamine breakdown, which leads to excessive formation of toxic aldehydes (such as acrolein), H 2 O 2 (a strong cytostatic) and ammonia (a toxic substance). Polyamines are also involved in the pathogenetic mechanism of α-synuclein modification resulting in the formation of Lewy bodies. This review provides data on the changes in polyamine levels at later stages of the disease. The review also examines the role of polyamines, as gliotransmitters, in regulating neural function and vice versa. The mechanisms of polyamine "pumping" from neurons to glia can be considered factors of OS regulation in neurons. Prolonged accumulation of polyamines in glia can lead to oxidation of polyamines and therefore potentially to gliosis in PD. The exact mechanisms of this process are, however, not clear. Answering the questions regarding the role of polyamines in gliosis development and pathogenesis of PD is necessary for treating cognitive impairment in patients with PD, which is particularly important.