Gonadotropins: Potential Targets for Preventive and Therapeutic Interventions in Alzheimer's Disease
Document Type
Journal Article
Publisher
Future Medicine
Faculty
Faculty of Computing, Health and Science
School
School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Science
RAS ID
4443
Abstract
Increased prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in women has led to an interest in the role of hormonal changes in the neurodegenerative process. In particular, research has been directed towards investigating the effect of changes in sex hormone levels following reproductive senescence. Clinical trials of hormone-replacement therapy for the prevention of AD are proving contentious, and considerably more research is necessary before the benefit of the hormone replacement strategy can be ascertained. However, evidence is now emerging to support the notion that increased gonadotropin levels may confer an increased risk of AD. Gonadotropins have been implicated in the metabolism of β-amyloid, a key protein that is central to the pathogenesis of AD. Gonadotropin reduction represents a promising new target for therapeutic intervention in AD and, potentially, dementia in general. In this review, the authors discuss the therapeutic and preventive potential of gonadotropin-reducing agents in the management of AD.
DOI
10.2217/14796708.1.2.189
Comments
Barron, A. , Verdile, G. , & Martins, R. N. (2006). Gonadotropins: potential targets for preventive and therapeutic interventions in Alzheimer's Disease. Future Neurology, 1(2), 189-202. Available here