A small molecule, specifically a coenzyme. -Central to metabolism, especially in: -The citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) -Fatty acid synthesis -Ketogenesis It carries acetyl groups (2-carbon units) and delivers them to biochemical reactions.
↓ Acetylcholine (ACh) levels in AD patients
Rate of Brain Volume Loss Population Group Estimated Brain Volume Loss / Year Healthy aging adults ~0.2–0.5% MCI patients ~1–2% AD patients ~2–3% or more
In AD, one of the hallmark neurochemical findings is a loss of cholinergic neurons, especially in the basal forebrain, leading to: ↓ ChAT activity ↓ Acetylcholine (ACh) levels ↓ Cognitive function (especially memory and attention) Many AD drugs aim to increase ACh levels by: -Inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (which breaks down ACh), e.g., donepezil, rivastigmine.
MAO-B inhibitors have shown anti-cancer effects in preclinical models: Inducing apoptosis in tumor cells. Sensitizing cells to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Inhibiting tumor angiogenesis and invasion.
-Hydrolyzes cAMP → AMP (thus decreasing cAMP levels) -PDE4 inhibitors (like rolipram): Enhance memory in AD mouse models Possible inhibitors: Resveratrol, Baicalin, Luteolin, Quercetin, Apigenin, Icariin
Natural Products targeting tau -Curcumin via GSK-3β inhibition -Resveratrol Activates SIRT1 -EGCG inhibits Tau, but BBB penetration is questionable