Mitochondria: A therapeutic target in neurodegeneration

作者：Moreira Paula I; Zhu Xiongwei; Wang Xinglong; Lee Hyoung gon; Nunomura Akihiko; Petersen Robert B; Perry George; Smith Mark A^*

来源：Biochimica et Biophysica Acta-Molecular Basis of Disease, 2010, 1802(1): 212-220.

DOI：10.1016/j.bbadis.2009.10.007

• Metabolic antioxidant
• Mitochondria
• Mitochondria-directed antioxidant
• Neurodegeneration
• SS peptide

Mitochondrial dysfunction has long been associated with neurodegenerative disease. Therefore, mitochondrial protective agents represent a unique direction for the development of drug candidates that can modify the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration. This review discusses evidence showing that mitochondrial dysfunction has a central role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We also debate the potential therapeutic efficacy of metabolic antioxidants, mitochondria-directed antioxidants and Szeto-Schiller (SS) peptides. Since these compounds preferentially target mitochondria, a major source of oxidative damage, they are promising therapeutic candidates for neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, we will briefly discuss the novel action of the antihistamine drug Dimebon on mitochondria.