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Velazquez R, Meechoovet B, Ow A, Foley C, Shaw A, Smith B, Oddo S, Hulme C, Dunckley T. Chronic Dyrk1 Inhibition Delays the Onset of AD-Like Pathology in 3xTg-AD Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:8364-8375. [PMID: 31240602 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01684-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
There is a critical need for new treatment approaches that can slow or prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Targets that act simultaneously on multiple relevant pathways could have significant therapeutic potential. Dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (Dyrk1a) phosphorylates both amyloid precursor protein (APP) and tau. Dyrk1a is upregulated in post-mortem brains of AD patients, and such elevated expression is associated with cognitive deficits. We previously demonstrated that small molecule inhibition of Dyrk1 is well-tolerated and reduces amyloid plaques and pathological forms of tau in 3xTg-AD mice if administered after formation of these pathologies. However, while insoluble forms of hyperphosphorylated tau were reduced by Dyrk1 inhibition, overt neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) pathology remained unchanged. Herein, we specifically test the hypothesis that inhibition of Dyrk1 prior to NFT formation will delay the onset of pathology. 3xTg-AD mice were treated chronically, beginning at 6 months of age, prior to NFT pathology. Mice were dosed daily for either 3 or 6 months and amyloid and tau pathology were assessed. We show that chronic Dyrk1 inhibition reduces insoluble forms of amyloid beta peptides (Aβ) and hyper-phosphorylated tau long-term and that these reductions are associated with dramatic delay in the onset of both amyloid plaques and NFTs. In addition, we show that DYR219, a potent and selective small molecule Dyrk1 inhibitor, induces degradation of Dyrk1a protein, likely contributing to the efficacy of this small molecule approach in vivo. Collectively, these results suggest that therapeutic strategies targeting tau phosphorylation will show the greatest effect if administered very early in the pathogenesis of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Velazquez
- Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
| | - B Meechoovet
- Neurogenomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - A Ow
- Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
| | - C Foley
- Division of Drug Discovery and Development, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - A Shaw
- Division of Drug Discovery and Development, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - B Smith
- Division of Drug Discovery and Development, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - S Oddo
- Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
| | - C Hulme
- Division of Drug Discovery and Development, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Travis Dunckley
- Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA.
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Przybyłowska M, Kowalski S, Dzierzbicka K, Inkielewicz-Stepniak I. Therapeutic Potential of Multifunctional Tacrine Analogues. Curr Neuropharmacol 2019; 17:472-490. [PMID: 29651948 PMCID: PMC6520589 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x16666180412091908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract: Tacrine is a potent inhibitor of cholinesterases (acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase) that shows limiting clinical application by liver toxicity. In spite of this, analogues of tacrine are considered as a model inhibitor of cholinesterases in the therapy of Alzheimer’s disease. The interest in these compounds is mainly related to a high variety of their structure and biological properties. In the present review, we have described the role of cholinergic transmission and treatment strategies in Alzheimer’s disease as well as the synthesis and biological activity of several recently developed classes of multifunctional tacrine analogues and hybrids, which consist of a new paradigm to treat Alzheimer’s disease. We have also reported potential of these analogues in the treatment of Alzheimer’s diseases in various experimental systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Przybyłowska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, 11/12 G. Narutowicza Street, 80-233, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Szymon Kowalski
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 1 Street, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Krystyna Dzierzbicka
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, 11/12 G. Narutowicza Street, 80-233, Gdansk, Poland
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Xu MY, Wong AHC. GABAergic inhibitory neurons as therapeutic targets for cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2018; 39:733-753. [PMID: 29565038 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2017.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is considered primarily as a cognitive disorder. However, functional outcomes in schizophrenia are limited by the lack of effective pharmacological and psychosocial interventions for cognitive impairment. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) interneurons are the main inhibitory neurons in the central nervous system (CNS), and they play a critical role in a variety of pathophysiological processes including modulation of cortical and hippocampal neural circuitry and activity, cognitive function-related neural oscillations (eg, gamma oscillations) and information integration and processing. Dysfunctional GABA interneuron activity can disrupt the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance in the cortex, which could represent a core pathophysiological mechanism underlying cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia. Recent research suggests that selective modulation of the GABAergic system is a promising intervention for the treatment of schizophrenia-associated cognitive defects. In this review, we summarized evidence from postmortem and animal studies for abnormal GABAergic neurotransmission in schizophrenia, and how altered GABA interneurons could disrupt neuronal oscillations. Next, we systemically reviewed a variety of up-to-date subtype-selective agonists, antagonists, positive and negative allosteric modulators (including dual allosteric modulators) for α5/α3/α2 GABAA and GABAB receptors, and summarized their pro-cognitive effects in animal behavioral tests and clinical trials. Finally, we also discuss various representative histone deacetylases (HDAC) inhibitors that target GABA system through epigenetic modulations, GABA prodrug and presynaptic GABA transporter inhibitors. This review provides important information on current potential GABA-associated therapies and future insights for development of more effective treatments.
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Schumacher M, Denier C, Oudinet JP, Adams D, Guennoun R. Progesterone neuroprotection: The background of clinical trial failure. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 160:53-66. [PMID: 26598278 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Since the first pioneering studies in the 1990s, a large number of experimental animal studies have demonstrated the neuroprotective efficacy of progesterone for brain disorders, including traumatic brain injury (TBI). In addition, this steroid has major assets: it easily crosses the blood-brain-barrier, rapidly diffuses throughout the brain and exerts multiple beneficial effects by acting on many molecular and cellular targets. Moreover, progesterone therapies are well tolerated. Notably, increased brain levels of progesterone are part of endogenous neuroprotective responses to injury. The hormone thus emerged as a particularly promising protective candidate for TBI and stroke patients. The positive outcomes of small Phase 2 trials aimed at testing the safety and potential protective efficacy of progesterone in TBI patients then provided support and guidance for two large, multicenter, randomized and placebo-controlled Phase 3 trials, with more than 2000 TBI patients enrolled. The negative outcomes of both trials, named ProTECT III and SyNAPSE, came as a big disappointment. If these trials were successful, progesterone would have become the first efficient neuroprotective drug for brain-injured patients. Thus, progesterone has joined the numerous neuroprotective candidates that have failed in clinical trials. The aim of this review is a reappraisal of the preclinical animal studies, which provided the proof of concept for the clinical trials, and we critically examine the design of the clinical studies. We made efforts to present a balanced view of the strengths and limitations of the translational studies and of some serious issues with the clinical trials. We place particular emphasis on the translational value of animal studies and the relevance of TBI biomarkers. The probability of failure of ProTECT III and SyNAPSE was very high, and we present them within the broader context of other unsuccessful trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Schumacher
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Christian Denier
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Department of Neurology, CHU Bicêtre, 78 rue du Général Leclerc, 94275 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Jean-Paul Oudinet
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - David Adams
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Department of Neurology, CHU Bicêtre, 78 rue du Général Leclerc, 94275 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Rachida Guennoun
- U1195 Inserm and University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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Clozapine Improves Memory Impairment and Reduces Aβ Level in the Tg-APPswe/PS1dE9 Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:450-460. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9636-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Sylla T, Pouységu L, Da Costa G, Deffieux D, Monti JP, Quideau S. Gallotannins and Tannic Acid: First Chemical Syntheses and In Vitro Inhibitory Activity on Alzheimer’s Amyloid β-Peptide Aggregation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201411606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Sylla T, Pouységu L, Da Costa G, Deffieux D, Monti JP, Quideau S. Gallotannins and Tannic Acid: First Chemical Syntheses and In Vitro Inhibitory Activity on Alzheimer's Amyloid β-Peptide Aggregation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2015; 54:8217-21. [PMID: 26013280 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201411606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The screening of natural products in the search for new lead compounds against Alzheimer's disease has unveiled several plant polyphenols that are capable of inhibiting the formation of toxic β-amyloid fibrils. Gallic acid based gallotannins are among these polyphenols, but their antifibrillogenic activity has thus far been examined using "tannic acid", a commercial mixture of gallotannins and other galloylated glucopyranoses. The first total syntheses of two true gallotannins, a hexagalloylglucopyranose and a decagalloylated compound whose structure is commonly used to depict "tannic acid", are now described. These depsidic gallotannins and simpler galloylated glucose derivatives all inhibit amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) aggregation in vitro, and monogalloylated α-glucogallin and a natural β-hexagalloylglucose are shown to be the strongest inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahiri Sylla
- Univ. Bordeaux, ISM (CNRS-UMR 5255) and IECB, 2 rue Robert Escarpit, 33607 Pessac Cedex (France).,Current address: Univ. Jean Lorougnon Guédé, Daloa (Ivory Coast)
| | - Laurent Pouységu
- Univ. Bordeaux, ISM (CNRS-UMR 5255) and IECB, 2 rue Robert Escarpit, 33607 Pessac Cedex (France).
| | - Grégory Da Costa
- Univ. Bordeaux, GESVAB (EA 3675), ISVV Bordeaux-Aquitaine, 33883 Villenave d'Ornon Cedex (France)
| | - Denis Deffieux
- Univ. Bordeaux, ISM (CNRS-UMR 5255) and IECB, 2 rue Robert Escarpit, 33607 Pessac Cedex (France)
| | - Jean-Pierre Monti
- Univ. Bordeaux, GESVAB (EA 3675), ISVV Bordeaux-Aquitaine, 33883 Villenave d'Ornon Cedex (France).
| | - Stéphane Quideau
- Univ. Bordeaux, ISM (CNRS-UMR 5255) and IECB, 2 rue Robert Escarpit, 33607 Pessac Cedex (France).
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Gao J, Adam BL, Terry AV. Evaluation of nicotine and cotinine analogs as potential neuroprotective agents for Alzheimer's disease. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2014; 24:1472-8. [PMID: 24581918 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Revised: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The currently available therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related forms of dementia are limited by modest efficacy, adverse side effects, and the fact that they do not prevent the relentless progression of the illness. The purpose of the studies described here was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of the nicotine metabolite cotinine as well as a small series of cotinine and nicotine analogs (including stereoisomers) and to compare their effects to the four clinically prescribed AD therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Gao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, CB-3545, Georgia Regents University, 1120 Fifteenth Street, Augusta, GA 30912-2450, United States
| | - Bao-Ling Adam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, CB-3545, Georgia Regents University, 1120 Fifteenth Street, Augusta, GA 30912-2450, United States
| | - Alvin V Terry
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, CB-3545, Georgia Regents University, 1120 Fifteenth Street, Augusta, GA 30912-2450, United States.
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9
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Bansal Y, Silakari O. Multifunctional compounds: smart molecules for multifactorial diseases. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 76:31-42. [PMID: 24565571 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.01.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2012] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Multifunctional compounds (MFCs) are designed broadly as hybrid or conjugated drugs or as chimeric drugs from two or more pharmacophores/drugs having specific pharmacological activities. These are capable of eliciting multiple pharmacological actions and have emerged as magic bullets in treatment of multifactorial diseases. Many research articles disclosing the development of such compounds for treatment of multifactorial diseases are published during last 7 years. Some successful MFC candidates for multifactorial CNS disorders include ziprasidone, duloxetine, ladostigil and M-30 whereas sunitinib, lapatinib and synthetic oleandane triterpinoids are the successful MFC candidates for various cancers. Many more compounds derived from berberine, tacrine, artemisnin, quinine, NSAIDs, pralidoxine, donepezil, rivastigmine, curcumin and various antioxidants are under investigations for exploration of their multifunctional potential. In general, MFCs possess the advantages of reduced molecularity, no drug-drug interactions and improved pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. A MFC derived from two or more different pharmacophores exerts its activities by interacting with respective receptors of its constituent pharmacophores. It may also exhibit additional binding interactions with the receptor sites that may be responsible for significantly improved or additional activities. The present review discusses various MFCs developed for specific class of disorders with an aim to provide an insight into the strategies in medicinal chemistry for development of such compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogita Bansal
- Molecular Modelling Lab (MML), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab 147002, India
| | - Om Silakari
- Molecular Modelling Lab (MML), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab 147002, India.
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Bansal Y, Silakari O. Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of polyfunctional benzimidazole-NSAID chimeric molecules combining anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities. Arch Pharm Res 2013; 37:1426-36. [DOI: 10.1007/s12272-013-0282-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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A Drug Mystery of Heterocycles: Various Molecules for One Target or One Compound for Multiple Targets? Chem Heterocycl Compd (N Y) 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10593-013-1229-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Multifunctional drugs as novel antidotes for organophosphates’ poisoning. Toxicology 2011; 290:149-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2011.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2011] [Revised: 09/17/2011] [Accepted: 09/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Geerts H. Mechanistic disease modeling as a useful tool for improving CNS drug research and development. Drug Dev Res 2010. [DOI: 10.1002/ddr.20403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Geerts
- In Silico Biosciences, Berwyn, Pennsylvania
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Johnstone TB, Gu Z, Yoshimura RF, Villegier AS, Hogenkamp DJ, Whittemore ER, Huang JC, Tran MB, Belluzzi JD, Yakel JL, Gee KW. Allosteric modulation of related ligand-gated ion channels synergistically induces long-term potentiation in the hippocampus and enhances cognition. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2010; 336:908-15. [PMID: 21159751 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.110.176255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
α5 Subunit-containing GABA(A) receptors (GABA(A)Rs) and α7 neuronal nicotinic-acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are members of the Cys-loop family of ligand-gated ion channels (LGICs) that mediate cognitive and attentional processes in the hippocampus. α5 GABA(A)Rs alter network activity by tonic inhibition of CA1/CA3 pyramidal cells of the hippocampus. Postsynaptic α7 nAChRs in the hippocampus regulate inhibitory GABAergic interneuron activity required for synchronization of pyramidal neurons in the CA1, whereas presynaptic α7 nAChRs regulate glutamate release. Can simultaneous allosteric modulation of these LGICs produce synergistic effects on cognition? We show that combined transient application of two allosteric modulators that individually 1) inhibit α5 GABA(A)Rs and 2) enhance α7 nAChRs causes long-term potentiation (LTP) of mossy fiber stimulation-induced excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSC) from CA1 pyramidal neurons of rat hippocampal slices. The LTP effect evoked by two compounds is replicated by 3-(2,5-difluorophenyl)-6-(N-ethylindol-5-yl)-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazine (522-054), a compound we designed to simultaneously inhibit α5 GABA(A)Rs and enhance α7 nAChRs. Selective antagonists for either receptor block sustained EPSC potentiation produced by 522-054. In vivo, 522-054 enhances performance in the radial arm maze and facilitates attentional states in the five-choice serial reaction time trial with similar receptor antagonist sensitivity. These observations may translate into therapeutic utility of dual action compounds in diseases of hippocampal-based cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy B Johnstone
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California, USA.
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Patil SP, Maki S, Khedkar SA, Rigby AC, Chan C. Withanolide A and asiatic acid modulate multiple targets associated with amyloid-beta precursor protein processing and amyloid-beta protein clearance. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2010; 73:1196-202. [PMID: 20553006 PMCID: PMC2917495 DOI: 10.1021/np900633j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease histochemically characterized by extracellular deposits of amyloid beta (Abeta) protein and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. AD is considered to be a complex, multifactorial syndrome, with numerous causal factors contributing to its pathogenesis. Thus, for any novel therapeutic molecule to have a "disease-modifying" effect on AD, it must be able to modulate multiple, synergistic targets simultaneously. In this context, we have studied two compounds of plant origin [withanolide A (1) and asiatic acid (2)] for their potential activities against multiple targets associated with Abeta pathways (BACE1, ADAM10, IDE, and NEP). BACE1 is a rate-limiting enzyme in the production of Abeta from amyloid-beta precursor protein (AbetaPP), while ADAM10 is involved in non-amyloidogenic processing of AbetaPP. IDE and NEP are two of the prominent enzymes involved in effectively degrading Abeta. It was found that both 1 and 2 significantly down-regulated BACE1 and also up-regulated ADAM10 in primary rat cortical neurons. In addition, 1 significantly up-regulated IDE levels, which may help in degrading excess Abeta from the AD brain. On the basis of the data obtained, the two multifunctional compounds may prove valuable in developing novel, effective therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of AD-associated amyloid pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Christina Chan
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: 517-432-4530. Fax: 517-432-1105.
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Borsook D, Becerra L. Using NMR approaches to drive the search for new CNS therapeutics. CURRENT OPINION IN INVESTIGATIONAL DRUGS (LONDON, ENGLAND : 2000) 2010; 11:771-778. [PMID: 20571972 PMCID: PMC3010855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The use of MRI-based imaging in drug development has received increased interest recently because of the difficulties associated with the development of CNS pharmacotherapies. While not yet routine, there have been significant advances in imaging that allow this technology to be used for evaluating disease state and drug effects. For disease states, both single and longitudinal studies of non-invasive measures may be obtained to provide a read-out of disease processes and, potentially, to predict the disease state and its evolution. In addition, imaging has enabled the development of improved preclinical disease models based on changes in brain circuitry. Pharmacological MRI, the imaging-based evaluation of drug effects, includes measures of direct effects on the brain, as well as the effects of chronic dosing on brain changes and neurochemical changes associated with these brain effects using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Thus, imaging may become an integrated process in drug development, during both the preclinical and clinical stages. However, validation, the implementation of good clinical practices and regulatory acceptance are hurdles that remain to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Borsook
- Pain & Analgesia Imaging Neuroscience (PAIN) Group, Massachusetts General Hospital, Athinoula Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology and Psychiatry, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Advances in health sciences during the last century have increased the average age in industrialized nations. Despite this progress, neurodegenerative diseases that affect higher order thinking and memory continue to increase in prevalence as they take a devastating toll on human productivity in the later years. There is an acute need for new drugs and therapeutic approaches for treating these severe diseases, and also for improving the quality of cognitive function associated with normal aging and in many other disorders and syndromes that present with cognitive dysfunction. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this review is to ascertain the pharmacological approaches being exploited to improve cognition and memory and to determine the most relevant and effective directions taken for new drug discovery. Limitations and difficulties encountered in this effort also are discussed. METHODS This review focuses primarily on compounds already undergoing clinical trials for improving cognition and memory with some discussion of rising new drug targets. RESULTS/CONCLUSION Compounds that act on allosteric sites on neurotransmitter receptors are expected to lead the field with new levels of specificity and reduced side effects. New multi-functional compounds can be designed that can both improve cognition and slow the process of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry J Buccafusco
- Regents' Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Alzheimer's Research Center, Medical College of Georgia, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Augusta, Georgia 30912-2300, USA.
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