Neuroprotective Therapies for Alzheimer's Disease

Authors: Huber, Anke¹; Stuchbury, Grant¹; Burkle, Alexander¹; Burnell, Jim¹; Munch, Gerald¹

Source: Current Pharmaceutical Design, Volume 12, Number 6, February 2006 , pp. 705-717(13)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Key:

- Free Content

- New Content

- Subscribed Content

- Free Trial Content

Abstract:

One of the major age-related damaging agents are reactive oxygen species (ROS). The brain is more vulnerable to oxidative stress than other organs as concomitant low activity and capacity of antioxidative protection systems allow for increased exposure of target molecules to ROS. Since neurons are postmitotic cells, they have to live with cellular damage accumulated over many decades. Increased levels of ROS (also termed "oxidative stress"), produced by normal mitochondrial activity, inflammation and excess glutamate levels, are proposed to accelerate neurodegenerative processes characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. This review presents evidence of the importance of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of these diseases and explains the nature of different types of ROS mediating neuronal damage. Furthermore, the potential beneficial effects of neuroprotective treatments, including antioxidants and anti - glutamatergic drugs are discussed.

Keywords: Oxidative stress; Alzheimer's disease; neuroprotection; antioxidants; NMDA receptor antagonists

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.2174/138161206775474251

Affiliations: 1: Comparative Genomics Centre, Molecular Sciences Building 21, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia.

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$55.10 plus tax Refund Policy