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Published on: January 2, 2015
Emerging drug targets for Aβ and tau in Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review
1Sunderland Pharmacy School, Department of Pharmacy, Health and Wellbeing, The University of Sunderland, City Campus, Chester Road, Sunderland, SR1 3SD, United Kingdom.
Aims:
Currently, treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD) focuses on the cholinergic hypothesis and provides limited symptomatic effects. Research currently focuses on other factors that are thought to contribute to AD development such as tau proteins and Aβ deposits, and how modification of the associated pathology affects outcomes in patients. This systematic review summarizes and appraises the evidence for the emerging drugs affecting Aβ and tau pathology in AD.
Methods:
A comprehensive, systematic online database search was conducted using the databases ScienceDirect and PubMed to include original research articles. A systematic review was conducted following a minimum set of standards, as outlined by The PRISMA Group . Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were followed and studies fitting the criteria were selected. No human trials were included in this review. In vitro and in vivo AD models were used to assess efficacy to ensure studied agents were emerging targets without large bodies of evidence.
Results:
The majority of studies showed statistically significant improvement (P < 0.05) of Aβ and/or tau pathology, or cognitive effects. Many studies conducted in AD animal models have shown a reduction in Aβ peptide burden and a reduction in tau phosphorylation post-intervention. This has the potential to reduce plaque formation and neuronal degeneration.
Conclusions:
There are many emerging targets showing promising results in the effort to modify the pathological effects associated with AD. Many of the trials also provided evidence of the clinical effects of such drugs reducing pathological outcomes, which was often demonstrated as an improvement of cognition.
Insights
Emerging drugs targeting amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau pathology show promise for Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment. Studies in AD models demonstrate significant reductions in Aβ and tau, potentially improving cognition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Current Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatments offer limited symptomatic relief.
- Emerging research investigates the roles of tau proteins and amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposits in AD pathogenesis.
- This review focuses on novel therapeutic strategies targeting these pathological hallmarks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and appraise the evidence for emerging drugs targeting Aβ and tau pathology in AD.
- To summarize findings from preclinical studies on the efficacy of these novel agents.
- To assess the potential of these drugs to modify AD-associated pathology and cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- A systematic online database search of ScienceDirect and PubMed was performed.
- Studies were selected based on PRISMA Group guidelines and specific inclusion/exclusion criteria.
- The review included in vitro and in vivo AD models, excluding human trials.
Main Results:
- Most studies reported statistically significant improvements in Aβ and/or tau pathology (P < 0.05).
- Interventions in AD animal models frequently led to reduced Aβ peptide burden and tau phosphorylation.
- These modifications suggest a potential to decrease plaque formation and neurodegeneration.
Conclusions:
- Numerous emerging drug targets show promising results in mitigating AD's pathological effects.
- Preclinical trials provide evidence for the clinical efficacy of these agents in reducing pathological outcomes.
- Improvements in cognition were often observed, indicating potential therapeutic benefits for Alzheimer's disease.
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