Stress proteins in Alzheimer's disease
Malyshev, I.I.; Manukhina, E.B.
Vestnik Rossiiskoi Akademii Meditsinskikh Nauk 7: 40-46
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0869-6047 PMID: 16107021 Document Number: 594139
Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression can be restricted by brain self-defense systems for a long time since the onset. Among these an exclusive role is played by the system of stress proteins, or heat shock proteins. In AD, stress proteins play primarily a neuroprotective role, which is realized through at least 7 mechanisms: 1) restriction of apoptosis; 2) restriction of NO overproduction; 3) disaggregation of extracellular Abeta aggregates; 4) acceleration of Abeta elimination from intercellular space; 5) restriction of tau-protein hyperphosphorylation; 6) protection of neurons from glutamate toxicity; 7) restriction of intracellular Abeta cytotoxicity. Results of studies on protective effects of heat shock proteins in AD allow creation of a new trend in the field of the treatment, related with developing methods of activation of stress protein self-defense system in order to restrict neurodegenerative disorders. The given review presents theoretical and experimental prerequisites for such an approach, and substantiates its possible efficiency.