Exp Neurobiol.  2013 Sep;22(3):167-172. 10.5607/en.2013.22.3.167.

Promise of Neurorestoration and Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Parkinson's Disease with Multi Target Drugs: An Alternative to Stem Cell Therapy

• Youdim MB
• Oh YJ

• KMID: 2165480
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5607/en.2013.22.3.167

Abstract

There is an unmet need in progressive neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. The present therapeutics for these diseases at best is symptomatic and is not able to delay disease or possess disease modifying activity. Thus an approach to drug design should be made to slow or halt progressive course of a neurological disorder by interfering with a disease-specific pathogenetic process. This would entail the ability of the drug to protect neurons by blocking the common pathway for neuronal injury and cell death and the ability to promote regeneration of neurons and restoration of neuronal function. We have now developed a number of multi target drugs which possess neuroprotective, and neurorestorative activity as well as being able to active PGC-1alpha (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha), SIRT1 (NAD-dependent deacetylase protein) and NTF (mitochondrial transcription factor) that are intimately associated with mitochondrial biogenesis.

Keyword

Parkinson's disease; neuroprotective; neurorestorative; multi target drug; iron chelator; mitochondrial biogenesis

MeSH Terms

Cell Death
Drug Design
Nervous System Diseases
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurons
Parkinson Disease
Regeneration
Stem Cells
Organelle Biogenesis