Alqahtani Saad Misfer, Al-Kuraishy Hayder M, Al Gareeb Ali I, Albuhadily Ali K, Alexiou Athanasios, Papadakis Marios, Hemeda Loah R, Faheem Safaa A, El-Saber Batiha Gaber
Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia.
Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq.
Neuromolecular Med. 2025 May 17;27(1):36. doi: 10.1007/s12017-025-08857-x.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains one of the most debilitating neurodegenerative disorders, with its pathological hallmark being progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. Recent research has illuminated the crucial role of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the central nervous system (CNS), highlighting its impact on neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal survival. Dysregulation of the BDNF signaling axis, particularly the imbalance between its precursor form and mature BDNF, is strongly implicated in the pathophysiology of AD. This review explores the molecular mechanisms through which BDNF modulates AD neuropathology and presents novel therapeutic strategies to activate BDNF signaling. We focus on the potential of BDNF activators, such as TrkB agonists and mimetic molecules, to restore synaptic function and ameliorate cognitive deficits in AD. Furthermore, we examine the challenges in translating these findings into clinical practice, including issues with blood-brain barrier penetration and the need for precise receptor targeting. The review emphasizes the therapeutic potential of repurposed drugs, including statins and metformin, in enhancing BDNF signaling and offers new insights into the future of AD treatment. Ultimately, this work provides a compelling argument for BDNF-based therapies as a promising avenue for mitigating the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease, signaling a hopeful direction for future research and clinical trials.
阿尔茨海默病(AD)仍然是最具致残性的神经退行性疾病之一,其病理特征是进行性认知衰退和记忆丧失。最近的研究揭示了脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)在中枢神经系统(CNS)中的关键作用,突出了其对神经发生、突触可塑性和神经元存活的影响。BDNF信号轴的失调,特别是其前体形式和成熟BDNF之间的失衡,与AD的病理生理学密切相关。本综述探讨了BDNF调节AD神经病理学的分子机制,并提出了激活BDNF信号的新治疗策略。我们关注BDNF激活剂的潜力,如TrkB激动剂和模拟分子,以恢复AD中的突触功能并改善认知缺陷。此外,我们研究了将这些发现转化为临床实践中的挑战,包括血脑屏障穿透问题和精确受体靶向的需求。该综述强调了包括他汀类药物和二甲双胍在内的重新利用药物在增强BDNF信号方面的治疗潜力,并为AD治疗的未来提供了新见解。最终,这项工作为基于BDNF的疗法提供了令人信服的论据,作为减轻与阿尔茨海默病相关的认知衰退的有前途的途径,为未来的研究和临床试验指明了充满希望的方向。