Views on amyloid hypothesis and secretase inhibitors for treating Alzheimer's disease: progress and problems.
Alzheimer's disease is a form of sporadic, age-related dementia. According to the "amyloid hypothesis", the processing of beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) leads to the formation of senile plaque aggregates which subsequently congest normal neurological functions. Currently, prophylaxis is testimonial, while treatment relies mainly on symptomatic relief. This review emphasizes the importance of disrupting the pathological processing of APP via alpha-secretase activators, beta- and gamma-secretase inhibitors, and compounds that bind APP. The style of writing should appeal to those with strong interests in medicinal chemistry with an equal balance of medicine and chemistry.
Nguyen
Jeffrey-Tri
JT
Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Frontier Research in Medicinal Science, 21st Century COE Program, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto 607-8412, Japan.
Yamani
Abdellah
A
Kiso
Yoshiaki
Y
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D053829:Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological
D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides; D053829:Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases