Neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease: an elusive goal
by
Koller WC, Cersosimo MG.
Department of Neurology,
The Mount Sinai Medical Center,
One Gustave L. Levy Place,
Annenberg 1494/Box 1137,
New York, NY 10029-6574, USA.
william.koller@mssm.edu
Arch Neurol. 2002 Dec;59(12):1937-43

ABSTRACT

Parkinson's disease is a chronic progressive condition that causes disability and reduction of quality of life. Symptomatic treatments are effective in the early disease; however, with time, most patients develop motor complications. Neuroprotective therapies are those that can slow disease progression; unfortunately, these agents are not available. Advances in the knowledge of the possible pathogenic events that can lead to nigral cell death have increased dramatically. These mechanisms include oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, excitotoxicity, alterations in protein degradation, and ultimately apoptosis. Based on these laboratory scientific findings, a number of agents have been studied in clinical trials. However, how to assess disease evolution and establish reliable endpoints is still an unresolved issue. The monoamine oxidase inhibitors selegiline and rasagiline have been shown to be neuroprotective in vitro and in animal models, but so far this property was not demonstrated in clinical trials. Other agents have been studied and still others are undergoing clinical investigation. These include antiexcitotoxicity drugs like riluzole, the bioenergetic agent coenzyme Q10, trophic factors, and antiapoptotic drugs. Laboratory and clinical data suggest that dopamine agonists may have a neuroprotective action, but this has yet to be proven. However, as our basic and clinical knowledge on Parkinson's disease increases, it is likely that a neuroprotective drug will be found.

MAOIs
Rasagiline
Rasagiline: structure
MAO-b inhibitors/PD
Anti-apoptotic activity
Molecular mechanisms
Rasagiline pharmacology
Parkinson's disease: resources
Anti-Alzheimer/anti-Parkinson's drugs
New drugs to treat Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease and sleep disorders
Rasagiline versus selegiline metabolites
Rasagiline/ anti-apoptotic bcl-2 gene family
Dual AChE and MAO inhibitors and Alzheimer's
Rasagiline v selegiline: neuronal survival effects
Rasagiline (Agilect) in early Parkinson's disease

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