Researchers from Heinrich-Heine University, Department of Neuropathology provide details of new studies and findings in the area of Alzheimer disease prevention
2007 NOV 19 -- Research findings, 'NSAIDs: small molecules for prevention of Alzheimer's disease or precursors for future drug development,' are discussed in a new report. "Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been considered for treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD) for more than two decades. Biochemical markers in the brains of individuals with AD suggest that inflammation might be a driving cause of the disease that can be suppressed by drug treatment," scientists in Dusseldorf, Germany report. "In addition, a subgroup of widely used NSAIDs inhibits generation of the pathogenic amyloid-beta(1-42) peptide (Abeta42) independently of the inflammatory cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway. Here, we summarize evidence showing that the efficacy of NSAIDs in AD might be attributable to either anti-inflammatory or anti-amyloidogenic activities, and we acknowledge the possibility that current NSAIDs could be neuroprotective through synergistic mechanisms," wrote S. Weggen and colleagues, Heinrich-Heine University, Department of Neuropathology. The researchers concluded: "Ongoing drug development efforts are concentrating on improvement of the COX-independent Abeta42-lowering activity to prevent amyloid pathology and secondary inflammatory reactions and to avoid the clinical side-effects associated with inhibition of COX." Weggen and colleagues published their study in Trends In Pharmacological Sciences (NSAIDs: small molecules for prevention of Alzheimer's disease or precursors for future drug development? Trends In Pharmacological Sciences, 2007;28(10):536-43). For additional information, contact S. Weggen, Molecular Neuropathology Group, Dept. of Neuropathology, Heinrich-Heine University, D-40225 Dusseldorf, Germany. The publisher's contact information for the journal Trends In Pharmacological Sciences is: Elsevier Science London, 84 Theobalds Rd., London WC1X 8RR, England. Keywords: Germany, Dusseldorf, Alzheimer Disease Prevention, Alzheimer Disease, Antiinflammatory, Biochemical, Drug Development, NSAIDS, Pharmaceuticals, Pharmacological Sciences, Therapy, Treatment. This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.
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