Exploring the Role of Monoamine Oxidase Activity in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease
Md Sohanur Rahman1, Md Sahab Uddin2, Md Ataur Rahman3
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Trust University, Barishal, Ruiya, Nobogram Road, Barishal 8200, Bangladesh.
Abstract:
Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) are a family of flavin adenine dinucleotide-dependent enzymes that have a crucial role in the metabolism of neurotransmitters of the central nervous system. Impaired function of MAOs is associated with copious brain diseases. The alteration of monoamine metabolism is a characteristics feature of aging. MAO plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with an excessive accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Activated MAO plays a critical role in the development of amyloid plaques from Aβ as well as the formation of the NFTs. In the brain, MAO mediated metabolism of monoamines is the foremost source of reactive oxygen species formation. The elevated level of MAO-B expression in astroglia has been reported in the AD brains adjacent to amyloid plaques. Increased MAO-B activity in the cortical and hippocampal regions is associated with AD. This review describes the pathogenic mechanism of MAOs in aging as well as the development and propagation of Alzheimer's pathology.
Insights
Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) are enzymes vital for neurotransmitter metabolism. This review explores their role in aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis, focusing on amyloid plaque and neurofibrillary tangle formation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
Background:
- Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) are crucial enzymes in central nervous system neurotransmitter metabolism.
- MAO dysfunction is linked to various brain diseases, with altered metabolism characteristic of aging.
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide accumulation and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathogenic mechanisms of MAOs in aging.
- To elucidate the role of MAOs in the development and propagation of Alzheimer's disease pathology.
- To highlight MAO-B's specific involvement in AD pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on MAO function, aging, and Alzheimer's disease.
- Analysis of studies reporting MAO-B expression and activity in AD brains.
- Examination of MAO's role in amyloid plaque and NFT formation.
Main Results:
- Activated MAO contributes to amyloid plaque and NFT formation in AD.
- MAO-mediated metabolism is a primary source of reactive oxygen species in the brain.
- Elevated MAO-B expression is observed in astroglia near amyloid plaques in AD brains.
- Increased MAO-B activity correlates with AD in cortical and hippocampal regions.
Conclusions:
- MAOs, particularly MAO-B, play a significant pathogenic role in Alzheimer's disease.
- MAO activity contributes to oxidative stress and the hallmark pathologies of AD.
- Understanding MAO mechanisms offers potential therapeutic targets for AD.
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