scholarly journals New drugs in psychiatry: focus on new pharmacological targets

F1000Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filippo Caraci ◽  
Gian Marco Leggio ◽  
Salvatore Salomone ◽  
Filippo Drago
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Progressive Decline ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
Pharmacological Targets ◽  
Treatment Of Depression ◽  
Dopamine D3

The approval of psychotropic drugs with novel mechanisms of action has been rare in recent years. To address this issue, further analysis of the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders is essential for identifying new pharmacological targets for psychotropic medications. In this report, we detail drug candidates being examined as treatments for psychiatric disorders. Particular emphasis is placed on agents with novel mechanisms of action that are being tested as therapies for depression, schizophrenia, or Alzheimer’s disease. All of the compounds considered were recently approved for human use or are in advanced clinical trials. Drugs included here are new antipsychotic medications endowed with a preferential affinity at dopamine D3 receptor (cariprazine) or at glutamatergic or cannabinoid receptors, as well as vortioxetine, a drug approved for managing the cognitive deficits associated with major depression. New mechanistic approaches for the treatment of depression include intravenous ketamine or esketamine or intranasal esketamine. As for Alzheimer’s disease, the possible value of passive immunotherapy with agents such as aducanumab is considered to be a potential disease-modifying approach that could slow or halt the progressive decline associated with this devastating disorder.

A Nanoinformatics Approach to Evaluate the Pharmacological Properties of Nanoparticles for the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Zohaib Nawaz ◽  
Syed Awais Attique ◽  
Qurat-ul-Ain ◽  
Fahdah Ayed Alshammari ◽  
Heba Waheeb Alhamdi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Drug Targets ◽  
Kinase Domain ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
Experimental Approaches ◽  
Novel Drug

Background: Alzheimer’s disease is a nervous system destructive disease which causes structural, biochemical and electrical abnormalities inside the human brain and results due to genetic and various environmental factors. Traditional therapeutic agents of Alzheimer’s disease such as tacrine and physostigmine has been found causing adverse effects to the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. Nanomaterials like graphene, metals, carbon-nanotubes and metal-oxides are gaining attention as potential drugs against Alzheimer’s disease due to their properties such as large surface area which provides clinical efficiency, targeted drug designing and delivery. Objectives: Designing new drugs by using experimental approaches are time-consuming, tedious and laborious processes which also require advanced technologies. This study aims to identify the novel drug candidates against Alzheimer’s disease with no or less associated side effects using molecular docking approaches. Methods: In this study, we utilized nanoinformatics based approaches for evaluating the interaction properties of various nanomaterials and metal nanoparticles with the drug targets including TRKB kinase domain, EphA4 and histone deacetylase. Furthermore, drug-likeness of carbon nanotubes was confirmed through ADME analysis. Results: Carbon nanotubes, either single or double-walled in all the three-configuration including zigzag, chiral, and armchair forms are found to interact with the target receptors with varying affinities. Conclusion: This study provides a novel and clearer insights into the interaction properties and drug suitability of known putative nanoparticles as potential agents for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

scholarly journals Novel drug candidates targeting Alzheimer’s disease: ethical challenges with identifying the relevant patient population

2021 ◽  
pp. medethics-2021-107304
Author(s):  
Erik Gustavsson ◽  
Pauline Raaschou ◽  
Gerd Lärfars ◽  
Lars Sandman ◽  
Niklas Juth
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Risk Stratification ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Cascade Screening ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
Novel Drug ◽  
Current Risk

Intensive research is carried out to develop a disease-modifying drug for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The development of drug candidates that reduce Aß or tau in the brain seems particularly promising. However, these drugs target people at risk for AD, who must be identified before they have any, or only moderate, symptoms associated with the disease. There are different strategies that may be used to identify these individuals (eg, population screening, cascade screening, etc). Each of these strategies raises different ethical challenges. In this paper, we analyse these challenges in relation to the risk stratification for AD necessary for using these drugs. We conclude that the new drugs must generate large health benefits for people at risk of developing AD to justify the ethical costs associated with current risk stratification methods, benefits much larger than current drug candidates have. This conclusion raises a new set of ethical questions that should be further discussed.

Natural Anti-inflammatory compounds as Drug candidates in Alzheimer’s disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reyaz Hassan Mir ◽  
Abdul Jalil Shah ◽  
Roohi Mohi-ud-din ◽  
Faheem Hyder Potoo ◽  
Mohd. Akbar Dar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Natural Products ◽  
Protective Action ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Huperzine A ◽  
Brain Disorder ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative brain disorder characterized by memory impairment, dementia, oxidative stress in elderly people. Currently, only a few drugs are available in the market with various adverse effects. So to develop new drugs with protective action against the disease, research is turning to the identification of plant products as a remedy. Natural compounds with anti-inflammatory activity could be good candidates for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Phytochemicals including Curcumin, Resveratrol, Quercetin, Huperzine-A, Rosmarinic acid, genistein, obovatol, and Oxyresvertarol were reported molecules for the treatment of AD. Several alkaloids such as galantamine, oridonin, glaucocalyxin B, tetrandrine, berberine, anatabine have been shown anti-inflammatory effects in AD models in vitro as well as in-vivo. In conclusion, natural products from plants represent interesting candidates for the treatment of AD. This review highlights the potential of specific compounds from natural products along with their synthetic derivatives to counteract AD in the CNS.

[18F]-florbetaben PET/CT Imaging in the Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model APPswe/PS1dE9

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Stenzel ◽  
C. Rühlmann ◽  
T. Lindner ◽  
S. Polei ◽  
S. Teipel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Preclinical Research ◽  
Standardized Uptake Values ◽  
Pet Ct

Background: Positron-emission-tomography (PET) using 18F labeled florbetaben allows noninvasive in vivo-assessment of amyloid-beta (Aβ), a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In preclinical research, [<sup>18</sup>F]-florbetaben-PET has already been used to test the amyloid-lowering potential of new drugs, both in humans and in transgenic models of cerebral amyloidosis. The aim of this study was to characterize the spatial pattern of cerebral uptake of [<sup>18</sup>F]-florbetaben in the APPswe/ PS1dE9 mouse model of AD in comparison to histologically determined number and size of cerebral Aβ plaques. Methods: Both, APPswe/PS1dE9 and wild type mice at an age of 12 months were investigated by smallanimal PET/CT after intravenous injection of [<sup>18</sup>F]-florbetaben. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging data were used for quantification of the PET data by volume of interest analysis. The standardized uptake values (SUVs) of [<sup>18</sup>F]-florbetaben in vivo as well as post mortem cerebral Aβ plaque load in cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum were analyzed. Results: Visual inspection and SUVs revealed an increased cerebral uptake of [<sup>18</sup>F]-florbetaben in APPswe/ PS1dE9 mice compared with wild type mice especially in the cortex, the hippocampus and the cerebellum. However, SUV ratios (SUVRs) relative to cerebellum revealed only significant differences in the hippocampus between the APPswe/PS1dE9 and wild type mice but not in cortex; this differential effect may reflect the lower plaque area in the cortex than in the hippocampus as found in the histological analysis. Conclusion: The findings suggest that histopathological characteristics of Aβ plaque size and spatial distribution can be depicted in vivo using [<sup>18</sup>F]-florbetaben in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse model.

Recent Updates in the Alzheimer’s Disease Etiopathology and Possible Treatment Approaches: A Narrative Review of Current Clinical Trials

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 273-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elahe Zarini-Gakiye ◽  
Javad Amini ◽  
Nima Sanadgol ◽  
Gholamhassan Vaezi ◽  
Kazem Parivar
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Small Molecules ◽  
Clinical Trial Design ◽  
Treatment Approaches ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
Novel Treatments ◽  
Approved Drugs ◽  
Tau Aggregation

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most frequent subtype of incurable neurodegenerative dementias and its etiopathology is still not clearly elucidated. Objective: Outline the ongoing clinical trials (CTs) in the field of AD, in order to find novel master regulators. Methods: We strictly reviewed all scientific reports from Clinicaltrials.gov and PubMed databases from January 2010 to January 2019. The search terms were “Alzheimer's disease” or “dementia” and “medicine” or “drug” or “treatment” and “clinical trials” and “interventions”. Manuscripts that met the objective of this study were included for further evaluations. Results: Drug candidates have been categorized into two main groups including antibodies, peptides or hormones (such as Ponezumab, Interferon β-1a, Solanezumab, Filgrastim, Levemir, Apidra, and Estrogen), and naturally-derived ingredients or small molecules (such as Paracetamol, Ginkgo, Escitalopram, Simvastatin, Cilostazo, and Ritalin-SR). The majority of natural candidates acted as anti-inflammatory or/and anti-oxidant and antibodies exert their actions via increasing amyloid-beta (Aβ) clearance or decreasing Tau aggregation. Among small molecules, most of them that are present in the last phases act as specific antagonists (Suvorexant, Idalopirdine, Intepirdine, Trazodone, Carvedilol, and Risperidone) or agonists (Dextromethorphan, Resveratrol, Brexpiprazole) and frequently ameliorate cognitive dysfunctions. Conclusion: The presences of a small number of candidates in the last phase suggest that a large number of candidates have had an undesirable side effect or were unable to pass essential eligibility for future phases. Among successful treatment approaches, clearance of Aβ, recovery of cognitive deficits, and control of acute neuroinflammation are widely chosen. It is predicted that some FDA-approved drugs, such as Paracetamol, Risperidone, Escitalopram, Simvastatin, Cilostazoand, and Ritalin-SR, could also be used in off-label ways for AD. This review improves our ability to recognize novel treatments for AD and suggests approaches for the clinical trial design for this devastating disease in the near future.

scholarly journals Exploitation of Marine Molecules to Manage Alzheimer’s Disease

Marine Drugs ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (7) ◽  
pp. 373
Author(s):  
Marisa Silva ◽  
Paula Seijas ◽  
Paz Otero
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Senile Plaques ◽  
Nmda Receptor Antagonists ◽  
Average Life ◽  
Average Life Expectancy ◽  
Large Reservoir ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
Neurodegenerative Process ◽  
Main Action

Neurodegenerative diseases are sociosanitary challenges of today, as a result of increased average life expectancy, with Alzheimer’s disease being one of the most prevalent. This pathology is characterized by brain impairment linked to a neurodegenerative process culminating in cognitive decline and behavioral disorders. Though the etiology of this pathology is still unknown, it is usually associated with the appearance of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. The most used prophylaxis relies on anticholinesterase drugs and NMDA receptor antagonists, whose main action is to relieve symptoms and not to treat or prevent the disease. Currently, the scientific community is gathering efforts to disclose new natural compounds effective against Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative pathologies. Marine natural products have been shown to be promising candidates, and some have been proven to exert a high neuroprotection effect, constituting a large reservoir of potential drugs and nutraceutical agents. The present article attempts to describe the processes of extraction and isolation of bioactive compounds derived from sponges, algae, marine bacteria, invertebrates, crustaceans, and tunicates as drug candidates against AD, with a focus on the success of pharmacological activity in the process of finding new and effective drug compounds.

scholarly journals Marine-Derived Compounds with Anti-Alzheimer’s Disease Activities

Marine Drugs ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 410
Author(s):  
Salar Hafez Ghoran ◽  
Anake Kijjoa
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Brain Disorder ◽  
Brain Functioning ◽  
Pharmacologically Active ◽  
Pharmacologically Active Compounds

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an irreversible and progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and, eventually, the ability to perform simple tasks. As the aging population continues to increase exponentially, AD has become a big concern for society. Therefore, neuroprotective compounds are in the spotlight, as a means to tackle this problem. On the other hand, since it is believed—in many cultures—that marine organisms in an individual diet cannot only improve brain functioning, but also slow down its dysfunction, many researchers have focused on identifying neuroprotective compounds from marine resources. The fact that the marine environment is a rich source of structurally unique and biologically and pharmacologically active compounds, with unprecedented mechanisms of action, marine macroorganisms, such as tunicates, corals, sponges, algae, as well as microorganisms, such as marine-derived bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi, have been the target sources of these compounds. Therefore, this literature review summarizes and categorizes various classes of marine-derived compounds that are able to inhibit key enzymes involved in AD, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), β-secretase (BACE-1), and different kinases, together with the related pathways involved in the pathogenesis of AD. The compounds discussed herein are emerging as promising anti-AD activities for further in-depth in vitro and in vivo investigations, to gain more insight of their mechanisms of action and for the development of potential anti-AD drug leads.

scholarly journals Antidiabetic Drugs in Alzheimer’s Disease: Mechanisms of Action and Future Perspectives

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grazia Daniela Femminella ◽  
Leonardo Bencivenga ◽  
Laura Petraglia ◽  
Lucia Visaggi ◽  
Lucia Gioia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Antidiabetic Drugs ◽  
Common Mechanism ◽  
Public Health Burden ◽  
Preclinical And Clinical Studies ◽  
And Oxidative Stress ◽  
Potential Use

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are two highly prevalent conditions in the elderly population and major public health burden. In the past decades, a pathophysiological link between DM and AD has emerged and central nervous system insulin resistance might play a significant role as a common mechanism; however, other factors such as inflammation and oxidative stress seem to contribute to the shared pathophysiological link. Both preclinical and clinical studies have evaluated the possible neuroprotective mechanisms of different classes of antidiabetic medications in AD, with some promising results. Here, we review the evidence on the mechanisms of action of antidiabetic drugs and their potential use in AD.

The hybrid compounds as multi-target ligands for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: Considerations on Donepezil

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hayrettin Ozan Gulcan ◽  
Muberra Kosar
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cholinesterase Inhibition ◽  
Recent Period ◽  
Hybrid Molecule ◽  
Design Studies ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
Hybrid Molecules ◽  
Ad Therapy ◽  
Main Strategy

: The strategies to combat Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) have been changing with respect to the failures of many drug candidates assessed in clinical studies, the complex pathophysiology of AD, and the limitations of the current drugs employed. So far, none of the targets, either validated or nonvalidated, have been shown to be purely causative in the generation and development of AD. Considering the progressive and the neurodegenerative characteristics of the disease, the main strategy has been based on the design of molecules capable of showing activity on more than one receptor, and it is defined as multi-target ligand design strategy. The hybrid molecule concept is an outcome of this approach. Donepezil, as one of the currently employed drugs for AD therapy, has also been utilized in hybrid drug design studies. This review has aimed to present the promising donepezil-like hybrid molecules introduced in the recent period. Particularly, multi-target ligands with additional activities concomitant to cholinesterase inhibition are preferred.

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