Novel Emerging Targets Identification in Reducing Risk of Alzheimer's Disease

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tau tangles and beta-amyloid plaques.
• AD pathophysiology involves complex mechanisms including oxidative stress, inflammation, and metal ion dysregulation.
• Current therapeutic strategies often target single pathways, necessitating novel approaches for multifactorial diseases like AD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the development of dual and multi-acting drug candidates for Alzheimer's disease.
• To explore the potential of multi-target-directed ligands (MTDLs) in combating AD's complex pathology.
• To highlight natural products and their derivatives as sources for novel anti-AD agents.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on MTDLs and natural products for Alzheimer's disease.
• Analysis of therapeutic targets including cholinesterase inhibition, anti-amyloidogenic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities.
• Focus on hybrid molecules combining chemically active moieties targeting distinct pathological pathways.

Main Results:

• MTDLs represent a promising strategy for treating complex multifactorial diseases like AD.
• Cholinesterase inhibitors with additional properties or multiple binding site inhibition show therapeutic potential.
• Natural products (alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols) offer diverse chemical structures with anti-AD properties.

Conclusions:

• Multi-target approaches, including MTDLs and natural product derivatives, are crucial for effective Alzheimer's disease treatment.
• Combining different pharmacophores into single molecules can address the multifaceted nature of AD.
• Further research into these agents may lead to novel therapies for Alzheimer's disease and related cognitive disorders.