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Jacobsson E, Strömstedt AA, Andersson HS, Avila C, Göransson U. Peptide Toxins from Antarctica: The Nemertean Predator and Scavenger Parborlasia corrugatus (McIntosh, 1876). Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:209. [PMID: 38787061 PMCID: PMC11126048 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16050209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Peptide toxins from marine invertebrates have found use as drugs and in biotechnological applications. Many marine habitats, however, remain underexplored for natural products, and the Southern Ocean is among them. Here, we report toxins from one of the top predators in Antarctic waters: the nemertean worm Parborlasia corrugatus (McIntosh, 1876). Transcriptome mining revealed a total of ten putative toxins with a cysteine pattern similar to that of alpha nemertides, four nemertide-beta-type sequences, and two novel full-length parborlysins. Nemertean worms express toxins in the epidermal mucus. Here, the expression was determined by liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. The findings include a new type of nemertide, 8750 Da, containing eight cysteines. In addition, we report the presence of six cysteine-containing peptides. The toxicity of tissue extracts and mucus fractions was tested in an Artemia assay. Notably, significant activity was observed both in tissue and the high-molecular-weight mucus fraction, as well as in a parborlysin fraction. Membrane permeabilization experiments display the membranolytic activity of some peptides, most prominently the parborlysin fraction, with an estimated EC50 of 70 nM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Jacobsson
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden; (E.J.); (A.A.S.)
| | - Adam A. Strömstedt
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden; (E.J.); (A.A.S.)
| | - Håkan S. Andersson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Conxita Avila
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, and Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Biodiversity Research Institute (IrBIO), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Ulf Göransson
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden; (E.J.); (A.A.S.)
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Cappello E, Nieri P. From Life in the Sea to the Clinic: The Marine Drugs Approved and under Clinical Trial. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:1390. [PMID: 34947921 PMCID: PMC8704254 DOI: 10.3390/life11121390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decades Blue Growth policy in european and non-european countries produced a great impulse in applied marine sciences, comprehending the research of new bioactive molecules in marine organisms. These organisms are a great source of natural compounds with unique features resulting from the huge variability of marine habitats and species living in them. Most of the marine compounds in use and in clinical trials are drugs for cancer therapy and many of them are conjugated to antibody to form antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Severe pain, viral infections, hypertriglyceridemia, obesity, Alzheimer's and other CNS diseases are further target conditions for these pharmaceuticals. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art marine drugs focusing on the most successful results in the fast expanding field of marine pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliano Cappello
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Nieri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Center of Marine Pharmacology (MARinePHARMA), University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Hafez Ghoran S, Kijjoa A. Marine-Derived Compounds with Anti-Alzheimer's Disease Activities. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19080410. [PMID: 34436249 PMCID: PMC8399123 DOI: 10.3390/md19080410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an irreversible and progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and, eventually, the ability to perform simple tasks. As the aging population continues to increase exponentially, AD has become a big concern for society. Therefore, neuroprotective compounds are in the spotlight, as a means to tackle this problem. On the other hand, since it is believed—in many cultures—that marine organisms in an individual diet cannot only improve brain functioning, but also slow down its dysfunction, many researchers have focused on identifying neuroprotective compounds from marine resources. The fact that the marine environment is a rich source of structurally unique and biologically and pharmacologically active compounds, with unprecedented mechanisms of action, marine macroorganisms, such as tunicates, corals, sponges, algae, as well as microorganisms, such as marine-derived bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi, have been the target sources of these compounds. Therefore, this literature review summarizes and categorizes various classes of marine-derived compounds that are able to inhibit key enzymes involved in AD, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), β-secretase (BACE-1), and different kinases, together with the related pathways involved in the pathogenesis of AD. The compounds discussed herein are emerging as promising anti-AD activities for further in-depth in vitro and in vivo investigations, to gain more insight of their mechanisms of action and for the development of potential anti-AD drug leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salar Hafez Ghoran
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Golestan University, Gorgan 439361-79142, Iran;
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj 75919-94779, Iran
| | - Anake Kijjoa
- ICBAS-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar and CIIMAR, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-22-0428331; Fax: +351-22-2062232
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Anti-Alzheimer's Molecules Derived from Marine Life: Understanding Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19050251. [PMID: 33925063 PMCID: PMC8146595 DOI: 10.3390/md19050251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia. It has been confirmed that the pathological processes that intervene in AD development are linked with oxidative damage to neurons, neuroinflammation, tau phosphorylation, amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregation, glutamate excitotoxicity, and cholinergic deficit. Still, there is no available therapy that can cure AD. Available therapies only manage some of the AD symptoms at the early stages of AD. Various studies have revealed that bioactive compounds derived from marine organisms and plants can exert neuroprotective activities with fewer adverse events, as compared with synthetic drugs. Furthermore, marine organisms have been identified as a source of novel compounds with therapeutic potential. Thus, there is a growing interest regarding bioactive compounds derived from marine sources that have anti-AD potentials. Various marine drugs including bryostatin-1, homotaurine, anabaseine and its derivative, rifampicins, anhydroexfoliamycin, undecylprodigioisin, gracilins, 13-desmethyl spirolide-C, and dictyostatin displayed excellent bioavailability and efficacy against AD. Most of these marine drugs were found to be well-tolerated in AD patients, along with no significant drug-associated adverse events. In this review, we focus on the drugs derived from marine life that can be useful in AD treatment and also summarize the therapeutic agents that are currently used to treat AD.
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Martins M, Silva R, M. M. Pinto M, Sousa E. Marine Natural Products, Multitarget Therapy and Repurposed Agents in Alzheimer's Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:E242. [PMID: 32933034 PMCID: PMC7558913 DOI: 10.3390/ph13090242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial disease characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and nerve cell death that affects, mainly, older people. After decades of investigation, the search for an efficacious treatment for AD remains and several strategies can be and are being employed in this journey. In this review, four of the most promising strategies, alongside with its most promising agents under investigation or development are highlighted. Marine natural products (MNP) are a source of unique chemical structures with useful biological activities for AD treatment. One of the most promising compounds, a marine-derived acidic oligosaccharide (GV-971) just passed phase III clinical trials with a unique mechanism of action. Combination therapy and multitargeted-directed ligand therapy (MTDL) are also two important strategies, with several examples in clinical trials, based on the belief that the best approach for AD is a therapy capable of modulating multiple target pathways. Drug repurposing, a strategy that requires a smaller investment and is less time consuming, is emerging as a strong contender with a variety of pharmacological agents resurfacing in an attempt to identify a therapeutic candidate capable of modifying the course of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcia Martins
- CIIMAR—Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; (M.M.); (M.M.M.P.)
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Renata Silva
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Toxicologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Madalena M. M. Pinto
- CIIMAR—Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; (M.M.); (M.M.M.P.)
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Emília Sousa
- CIIMAR—Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; (M.M.); (M.M.M.P.)
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Göransson U, Jacobsson E, Strand M, Andersson HS. The Toxins of Nemertean Worms. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E120. [PMID: 30781381 PMCID: PMC6410017 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11020120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Most ribbon worms (phylum: Nemertea) are found in marine environments, where they act as predators and scavengers. They are characterized by an eversible proboscis that isused to hunt for prey and thick mucus covering their skin. Both proboscis and epidermal mucus mediate toxicity to predators and preys. Research into the chemical nature of the substances that render toxicity has not been extensive, but it has nevertheless led to the identification of several compounds of potential medicinal use or for application in biotechnology. This review provides a complete account of the current status of research into nemertean toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulf Göransson
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Erik Jacobsson
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Malin Strand
- Swedish Species Information Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Håkan S Andersson
- Linnaeus University Centre for Biomaterials Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Linnaeus University, 39231 Kalmar, Sweden.
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Ma KG, Qian YH. Alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and its effects on Alzheimer's disease. Neuropeptides 2019; 73:96-106. [PMID: 30579679 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the major disabling and lethal diseases for aged individuals worldwide. To date, there are more than 10 hypotheses proposed for AD pathology. The beta-amyloid (Aβ) cascade hypothesis is the most widely accepted and proposes that the accumulation of Aβ in the brain is one potential mechanism for AD pathogenesis. Because some Aβ-overloaded patients do not have AD syndrome, this hypothesis is challenged from time to time. More recently, it has been shown that intracellular Aβ plays a key role in AD pathology. Aβ is internalized by receptors distributed on the cell membrane. Among these receptors, the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) has been shown to play an important role in AD. The α7 nAChR is a ligand-gated ion channel and is expressed in pivotal brain regions (e.g., the cerebral cortex and hippocampus) responsible for cognitive functions. The α7 nAChR is localized both presynaptically and postsynaptically, where it activates intracellular signaling cascades. Its agonist has been investigated in clinical studies to improve cognitive functions in AD. Although many studies have shown the importance of the α7 nAChR in AD, little is known regarding its role in AD pathology. Therefore, in the current review, we summarized the basic information regarding the structures and functions of the α7 nAChR, the distribution and expression of the α7 nAChR, and the role of the α7 nAChR in mediating Aβ internalization. We subsequently focused on introducing the comprehensive α7 nAChR related signaling pathways and how these signaling pathways are integrated with the α7 nAChR to play a role in AD. Finally, we stressed the AD therapy that targets the α7 nAChR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Ge Ma
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an 710061, China; Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Yi-Hua Qian
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an 710061, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an 710061, China.
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Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-specific agonist DMXBA (GTS-21) attenuates Aβ accumulation through suppression of neuronal γ-secretase activity and promotion of microglial amyloid-β phagocytosis and ameliorates cognitive impairment in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 62:197-209. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2017.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Revised: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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9
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Liu Z, Zhang A, Sun H, Han Y, Kong L, Wang X. Two decades of new drug discovery and development for Alzheimer's disease. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra26737h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative disease, associated with a decreased cognitive function and severe behavioral abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhidong Liu
- National TCM Key Laboratory of Serum Pharmacochemistry
- Sino-US Chinmedomics Technology Cooperation Center
- Chinmedomics Research Center of TCM State Administration
- Laboratory of Metabolomics
- Key Pharmacometabolomics Platform of Chinese Medicines
| | - Aihua Zhang
- National TCM Key Laboratory of Serum Pharmacochemistry
- Sino-US Chinmedomics Technology Cooperation Center
- Chinmedomics Research Center of TCM State Administration
- Laboratory of Metabolomics
- Key Pharmacometabolomics Platform of Chinese Medicines
| | - Hui Sun
- National TCM Key Laboratory of Serum Pharmacochemistry
- Sino-US Chinmedomics Technology Cooperation Center
- Chinmedomics Research Center of TCM State Administration
- Laboratory of Metabolomics
- Key Pharmacometabolomics Platform of Chinese Medicines
| | - Ying Han
- National TCM Key Laboratory of Serum Pharmacochemistry
- Sino-US Chinmedomics Technology Cooperation Center
- Chinmedomics Research Center of TCM State Administration
- Laboratory of Metabolomics
- Key Pharmacometabolomics Platform of Chinese Medicines
| | - Ling Kong
- National TCM Key Laboratory of Serum Pharmacochemistry
- Sino-US Chinmedomics Technology Cooperation Center
- Chinmedomics Research Center of TCM State Administration
- Laboratory of Metabolomics
- Key Pharmacometabolomics Platform of Chinese Medicines
| | - Xijun Wang
- National TCM Key Laboratory of Serum Pharmacochemistry
- Sino-US Chinmedomics Technology Cooperation Center
- Chinmedomics Research Center of TCM State Administration
- Laboratory of Metabolomics
- Key Pharmacometabolomics Platform of Chinese Medicines
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Ivachtchenko AV, Lavrovsky Y, Ivanenkov YA. AVN-211, Novel and Highly Selective 5-HT6 Receptor Small Molecule Antagonist, for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Pharm 2016; 13:945-63. [PMID: 26886442 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5b00830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Within the past decade several novel targets have been indicated as key players in Alzheimer-type dementia and associated conditions, including a "frightening" memory loss as well as severe cognitive impairments. These proteins are deeply implicated in crucial cell processes, e.g., autophagy, growth and progression, apoptosis, and metabolic equilibrium. Since recently, 5-HT6R has been considered as one of the most prominent biological targets in AD drug therapy. Therefore, we investigated the potential procognitive and neuroprotective effects of our novel selective 5-HT6R antagonist, AVN-211. During an extensive preclinical evaluation the lead compound demonstrated a relatively high therapeutic potential and improved selectivity toward 5-HT6R as compared to reference drug candidates. It was thoroughly examined in different in vivo behavioral models directly related to AD and showed evident improvements in cognition and learning. In many cases, the observed effect was considerably greater than that determined for the reported drugs and drug candidates, including memantine, SB-742457, and Lu AE58054, evaluated under the same conditions. In addition, AVN-211 showed a similar or better anxiolytic efficacy than fenobam, rufinamide, lorazepam, and buspirone in an elevated plus-maze model, elevated platform, and open field tests. The compound demonstrated low toxicity and no side effects in vivo, an appropriate pharmacokinetic profile, and stability. In conclusion, AVN-211 significantly delayed or partially halted the progressive decline in memory function associated with AD, which makes it an interesting drug candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Advanced clinical trials are currently under active discussion and in high priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre V Ivachtchenko
- Alla Chem LLC , 1835 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard, #442, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009, United States.,Avineuro Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , 1835 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard, #442, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009, United States
| | - Yan Lavrovsky
- R-Pharm Overseas, Inc. , 12526 High Bluff Drive, Suite #300, San Diego, California 92130, United States
| | - Yan A Ivanenkov
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University) , 9 Institutskiy Lane, Dolgoprudny City, Moscow Region 141700, Russian Federation.,Chemistry Department, Moscow State University , Leninskie Gory, Building 1/3, GSP-1, 119991, Moscow, Russia
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Advances in recent patent and clinical trial drug development for Alzheimer's disease. Pharm Pat Anal 2016; 3:429-47. [PMID: 25291315 DOI: 10.4155/ppa.14.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, involving a large number of genes, proteins and their complex interactions. Currently, no effective therapeutic agents are available to either stop or reverse the progression of this disease, likely due to its polygenic nature. The complicated pathophysiology of AD remains unresolved. Although it has been hypothesized that the amyloid β cascade and the hyper-phosphorylated tau protein may be primarily involved, other mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, deficiency of central cholinergic neurotransmitter, mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation have also been implicated. The main focus of this review is to document current therapeutic agents in clinical trials and patented candidate compounds under development based on their main mechanisms of action. It also discusses the relationship between the recent understanding of key targets and the development of potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of AD.
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Prakash A, Kalra J, Mani V, Ramasamy K, Majeed ABA. Pharmacological approaches for Alzheimer’s disease: neurotransmitter as drug targets. Expert Rev Neurother 2014; 15:53-71. [DOI: 10.1586/14737175.2015.988709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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[Alzheimer's disease: New therapeutic strategies]. Med Clin (Barc) 2014; 145:76-83. [PMID: 25245784 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2014.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Revised: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The rapid increase in prevalence rates of Alzheimer's disease means that treatments to prevent, stop or reverse this devastating disease are urgently needed. Despite advances in understanding its molecular pathology, there are no drugs that can halt its progression. This review takes a tour through phase 2, or higher studies, probing receptor agonist agents interfering with aggregation, inhibitors/modulators of secretases, lipid-lowering agents, and, finally and most extensively, immunotherapy. The fact that phase 3 studies with bapineuzumab and solaneuzumab have recently failed does not invalidate the potential of immunotherapy, as more information is available and new clinical trials are being initiated.
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Abstract
Recent advances in genetic analysis especially DNA sequencing technology open a new strategy for adult disease prevention by genetic screening. Physicians presently treat disease pathology with less emphasis on disease risk prevention/reduction. Genetic screening has reduced the incidence of untreatable childhood genetic diseases and improved the care of newborns. The opportunity exists to expand screening programs and reduce the incidence of adult onset diseases via genetic risk identification and disease intervention. This article outlines the approach, challenges, and benefits of such screening for adult genetic disease risks.
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