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Neuroprotective Effects and Therapeutic Potential of Dichloroacetate: Targeting Metabolic Disorders in Nervous System

Yue Zhang1,2, Meiyan Sun2, Hongxiang Zhao1,2

  • 1Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China.

International Journal of Nanomedicine
|December 18, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Dichloroacetate (DCA) shows neuroprotective effects by regulating metabolism and reducing oxidative stress. Research explores DCA

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Metabolic disorders

Background:

  • Dichloroacetate (DCA) is an investigational drug with potential therapeutic applications.
  • DCA inhibits pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, influencing glucose oxidation.
  • Existing research suggests neuroprotective properties of DCA.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and analyze the neuroprotective mechanisms of DCA across various diseases.
  • To elucidate the pharmacological activities of DCA relevant to neuroprotection.
  • To discuss the causes and potential solutions for DCA-induced neurotoxicity.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of studies on Dichloroacetate (DCA).
  • Analysis of DCA's effects on metabolic regulation, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, blood-brain barrier, and amyloid-beta.
  • Investigation into DCA metabolism and associated toxicity.

Main Results:

  • DCA exhibits broad pharmacological activities including metabolic regulation, antioxidant effects, anti-inflammatory actions, and apoptosis inhibition.
  • DCA demonstrates protective effects on the blood-brain barrier and mitochondrial function.
  • Drug accumulation due to inhibited metabolism can cause peripheral neurotoxicity, but novel delivery methods may mitigate this.

Conclusions:

  • Dichloroacetate (DCA) possesses significant neuroprotective potential through multiple mechanisms.
  • Understanding DCA's pharmacology is key to optimizing its therapeutic use.
  • Individualized drug delivery and nanovesicle systems offer promising solutions to DCA's neurotoxicity.
Keywords:
dichloroacetateenergy metabolismmitochondrianeuroprotectionoxidative stress

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