Abstract:
The invention relates to a method of reducing neuronal injury or apoptosis including administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor. Methods of treating an HIV-mediated dementia, glaucoma, or other neurodegenerative disorders are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Neurite outgrowth-promoting prostaglandins (NEPPs) and other electrophilic compounds bind to Keapl, a negative regulator of the transcription factor Nrf2, and prevent Keapl -mediated inactivation of Nrf2 and, thus, enhance Nrf2 translocation into the nucleus of neuronal cells. Therefore, neuroprotective compositions and related methods are provided that employ such neuroprotective compounds, and prodrugs of such compounds, to cause dissociation of Nrf2 from a Keapl /Nrf2 complex.
Abstract:
Disclosed are conjugates in which an aminoadamantane derivative, such as amantadine, memantine, or rimantadine is linked to a therapeutic agent. The conjugate can then be used to target the therapeutic agent to an injured neuron.
Abstract:
Disclosed are methods and compositions for identifying, producing, and using pathologically-activated targeting compounds. Pathologically- activated compounds are compound that only have an effect, or have a disproportionate effect, on a target molecule when a pathological condition exists.
Abstract:
This invention relates to Applicant's discovery that Metabolic Syndrome, a cluster of disorders stemming from a resistance to insulin, contributes directly to dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Applicant's invention includes a screening method to determine susceptibility and diagnosis of dementia based on the risk factors for Metabolic Syndrome. Applicant's invention further includes methods for the prevention or treatment of dementia and other neurological conditions based on (1) minimizing insulin resistance, thereby preventing excess biosynthesis of insulin; (2) modulating the activity of IDE such that insulin competes less efficiently with beta-amyloid protein for the IDE; and (3) blocking the consequences of NMDA receptor activation, such as by minimizing the generation of NO and other harmful free radicals.