Current Pharmaceutical Design - Online First

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a gradual degenerative ailment of the nervous system that is marked by the buildup of amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. This accumulation causes problems with the connections between nerve cells and the loss of these cells. This review paper explores the complex pathophysiology of AD, analyzing the neuronal loss reported in key brain regions like the entorhinal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, and cortical association areas. The text also examines subcortical nuclei participation, such as the noradrenergic locus coeruleus, serotonergic dorsal raphe, and cholinergic basal nucleus. Also, this review discusses the importance of tau protein hyperphosphorylation, oxidative stress, and metal ion dysregulation in the evolution of AD. Moreover, it explores the cholinergic theory and the influence of the APOE (apolipoprotein E) genotype on the effectiveness of therapy. This article thoroughly summarizes the current knowledge on AD, including its clinical symptoms and possible treatment approaches, by combining several theories and new targets. The study highlights the connection between the degree of tangle development and the severity of dementia, underlining the need for creative methods to tackle the complex difficulties of discovering drugs for AD.

Uric acid (UA), the end-product of purine metabolism, has a complicated physiological role in the body, showing the combination of regulating inflammatory response, promoting oxidation/anti-oxidation, and modifying autophagy activity in vivo. Meanwhile, various research and theories support that inflammation, oxidative stress, and other risk factors promote the onset and progression of affective disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Existing studies suggest that UA may be involved in the pathophysiological processes of affective disorders in various ways, and there has been a gradual advance in the understanding of the interplay between UA levels and affective disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarized the role of UA in the process of inflammation, oxidative stress, and autophagy. On this basis, we discussed the correlation between UA and affective disorders and several neurodegenerative diseases, and simultaneously analyzed the possible mechanism of its influence on affective disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, to provide a theoretical basis for UA as a biomarker or therapeutic target for the diagnosis of these diseases.

For millennia, Cannabis sativa has served diverse roles, from medicinal applications to recreational use. Despite its extensive historical use, only a fraction of its components have been explored until recent times. The therapeutic potential of Cannabis and its constituents has garnered attention, with suggestions for treating various conditions such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and other Neurological disorders. Recent research, particularly on animal experimental models, has unveiled the neuroprotective properties of cannabis. This neuroprotective effect is orchestrated through numerous G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and the two cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. While the capacity of cannabinoids to safeguard neurons is evident, a significant challenge lies in determining the optimal cannabinoid receptor agonist and its application in clinical trials. The intricate interplay of cannabinoids with the endocannabinoid system, involving CB1 and CB2 receptors, underscores the need for precise understanding and targeted approaches. Unravelling the molecular intricacies of this interaction is vital to harness the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids effectively. As the exploration of cannabis components accelerates, there is a growing awareness of the need for nuanced strategies in utilizing cannabinoid receptor agonists in clinical settings. The evolving landscape of cannabis research presents exciting possibilities for developing targeted interventions that capitalize on the neuroprotective benefits of cannabinoids while navigating the complexities of receptor specificity and clinical applicability.