Novel therapeutic strategies provide the real test for the amyloid hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease.
The amyloid and tangle cascade hypothesis is the dominant explanation for the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A complete knowledge of the metabolic pathways leading to beta-amyloid (A beta) production and clearance in vivo and of the pathological events that lead to fibril formation and deposition into plaques is crucial for the development of an 'anti-amyloid' therapeutic strategy. Important advances in this respect have been achieved recently, revealing new candidate drug targets. Among the most promising potential treatments are beta- and gamma-secretase inhibitors, A beta vaccination, Cu-Zn chelators, cholesterol-lowering drugs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Now, the major question is whether these drugs will work in the clinic.
Centre for Human Genetics, VIB4 and K.U. Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Diana Ines
DI
Dominguez
Bart
B
De Strooper
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000494:pharmacology; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D014611:Vaccination
D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D002784:Cholesterol