Title:β-amyloid and Oxidative Stress: Perspectives in Drug Development
Volume: 25
Issue: 45
Author(s): Giuseppe Caruso, Simona F. Spampinato, Vincenzo Cardaci, Filippo Caraci, Maria A. Sortino*Sara Merlo*
Affiliation:
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95125 Catania,Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95125 Catania,Italy
Keywords:
Alzheimer’s disease, reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, neurodegeneration, antioxidants, carnosine.
Abstract: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a slow-developing neurodegenerative disorder in which the main pathogenic
role has been assigned to β-amyloid protein (Aβ) that accumulates in extracellular plaques. The mechanism
of action of Aβ has been deeply analyzed and several membrane structures have been identified as potential mediators
of its effect. The ability of Aβ to modify neuronal activity, receptor expression, signaling pathways, mitochondrial
function, and involvement of glial cells have been analyzed. In addition, extensive literature deals with
the involvement of oxidative stress in Aβ effects. Herein we focus more specifically on the reciprocal regulation
of Aβ, that causes oxidative stress, that favors Aβ aggregation and toxicity and negatively affects the peptide
clearance. Analysis of this strict interaction may offer novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Both
common and new molecules endowed with antioxidant properties deserve attention in this regard.