Intracellular Heme‐Containing Enzyme in Neurodegenerative Disorders

Background Neural degeneration and progressive cognitive loss are hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and migraine. Through their control over signal transmission, oxidative stress response, and mitochondrial function, intracellular heme‐containing enzymes such as cytochrome P450s, catalases, and nitric oxide synthases are essential for preserving cellular homeostasis. Hypothesis The hypothesis presented in this review suggests that one of the main contributing factors to the development of neurodegenerative illnesses is abnormal intracellular heme‐containing enzyme expression or activity. Increased neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are symptoms of migraine that are also linked to neurodegenerative illnesses like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Migraines share similarities with neurodegenerative diseases in that they entail mitochondrial malfunction and modulation of cerebral blood flow. Heme Oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), Cytochrome c (Cyt c), Cytochrome P450 Enzymes (e.g., CYP2D6, CYP46A1), neurodegeneration research has linked similar intracellular heme‐containing enzymes to migraine, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Results and Conclusion All of the research that has been done so far has shown a consistent relationship between higher levels of oxidative stress and poorer neuronal function, and the abnormal activity of heme‐containing enzymes. In neurodegenerative diseases, studies have shown higher oxidative stress markers along with altered expression and degree of activity of enzymes such nitric oxide synthases and cytochrome P450s. Decreasing oxidative damage and increasing survival of neurons in preclinical models have been demonstrated by experimental therapies that specifically target these enzymes.