Pathophysiological aspects of human neurodegenerative diseases

This review summarizes the most intriguing topical pathophysiological theories that contribute to current molecular understanding of the most important adult-onset human neurodegenerative diseases, namely Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The pathophysiological aspects discussed include genetic linkages, involvement of cytokines and excitotoxic amino acids, contribution of oxidative stress, roles of neurotrophic factors and beta-amyloid deposition, the significance of apoptotic cell death and possible risk factors. An attempt is made to point out common characteristics of these neurodegenerative diseases. Present knowledge of the pathophysiological background of these diseases may provide an encouraging basis for the development of new therapeutic strategies which actually interact with the cascade of neurodegeneration and go beyond the mere pharmacological substitution of neurotransmitter deficits.