Hypothesis: Can N-acetylcysteine be beneficial in Parkinson's disease?

Based on the finding of decreased mitochondrial complex I activity in the s ubstantia nigra of patients with Parkinson's disease, we propose that the c onsequent reduction of ATP synthesis and increased generation of reactive o xygen species may be a possible cause of nigrostriatal cell death. Since su lfhydryl groups are essential in oxidative phosphorylation, thiolic antioxi dants may contribute to the preservation of these proteins against oxidativ e damage. In the present paper, we hypothesize that treatment with a sulfur -containing antioxidant such as N-acetylcysteine may provide a new neuropro tective therapeutic strategy for Parkinson's disease.