Growth Factors And Alzheimer S Disease

The study of the relationships between neurotrophic factors (NGF, FGF, amyloid) and neurodegenerative disorders (especially Alzheimer's disease) is of major importance not only for understanding the pathogenesis of the latter, but also for the pharmacological approach to this disease. Information on the subject stemming from the symposium in Strasbourg in April, 1990, organized by the Fondation IPSEN is presented in this book. It provides stimulating hypotheses about the possible role of growth factors in the generation of senile plaques, the process of degeneration and regeneration in Alzheimer's disease, the expression of the gene of NGF and the possible use of NGF in treatment.

Degeneration of sensory receptors or of the nerves innervating them leads to a sensory deficit. Various strategies have been tried for promoting regrowth of sensory receptors, particularly in the eye and ear. The latest data from experimental studies in animals are presented in the book including applications of BDNF and CNTF in the eye and epidermal growth factor in the ear.

The recent identification of susceptibility genes for schizophrenia, depression and learning and memory dysfunction suggest that psychiatric disorders may be influenced by a small number of genes with multiple actions. This is the first book to investigate the role of growth factors in these disorders, which should provide clues to the underlying biochemical mechanisms. For example, recent studies have substantiated the provocative finding that neuregulin 1 (NRG1)is a candidate gene for schizophrenia. Neuregulin and its receptors, the ErbB tyrosine kinases, are essential for development of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Lack of NRG1 function may be involved in dysregulation of synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity in the adult mediated through glutamate receptor function. Polymorphisms for BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. BDNF is a prevalent neurotrophic factor that plays an important role in the pathophysiology of depression, bipolar disease and other psychiatric disorders. Other topics addressed in this book include neuroplasticity and neurotrophic factors, signal transduction by neurotrophins, intracellular trafficking of growth factors, trophic factors and cognitive functions, neurotrophins and depression, and pharmacological treatments of schizophrenia.

Neuroprotection in Alzheimer’s Disease offers a translational point-of-view from both basic and clinical standpoints, putting it on the cusp for further clinical development with its emphasis on nerve cell protection, including the accumulation of knowledge from failed clinical trials and new advances in disease management. This book brings together the latest findings, both basic, and clinical, under the same cover, making it easy for the reader to obtain a complete overview of the state-of-the-field and beyond. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. It is a progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills, and eventually, even the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. It is characterized by death of synapses coupled to death nerve cells and brain degeneration which is manifested by loss of cognitive abilities. Understanding neuroprotection in Alzheimer’s disease will pave the path to better disease management and novel therapeutics. Comprehensive reference detailing neuroprotection in Alzheimer’s Disease, with details on nerve cell protection and new advances in disease management Combines the knowledge and points-of-view of both medical doctors and basic scientists, putting the subject at the forefront for further clinical development Edited by one of the leading researchers in Alzheimer’s Disease

The rapidly expanding fields of molecular and cellular neurobiology are the newest frontiers of neuroscience. This book represents the continuing efforts of the Institute of Developmental Neuroscience and Aging (IDNA) to disseminate the most recent advances on the developing and aging nervous system at the molecular and cellular levels. A group of neuroscientists presented and discussed their findings at a recent IDNA conference held in Athens, Greece, June 15-18, 1988. This meeting was sponsored by the National Hellenic Research Foundation, FIDIA, the Ministry of Research and Technology, the Tourism Organization of Greece, and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH. The Directors of the IDNA are grateful to the local committee, Drs. Eleni Fleischer, Costas Sekeris, Michael Alexis, Theony Valcana, and Elias Kouvelas, for their efforts in organizing this meeting and for their successful integration of science and culture for the participants. This volume provides a comprehensive overview of the information presented at this conference, including in-depth discussions of each topic by the participants. The chapters are grouped into five general categories which correspond to the subject areas covered during the meeting. These include: Gene and Phenotypic Expression, Growth Factors and Oncogenes, Cytoskeletal and Extracellular Molecules, Neurotransmitters and Hormones, and Molecular Aspects of Aging and Alzheimer's Disease. The section on Gene and Phenotypic Expression includes discussions of transient gene expression in the nervous system (Herschman), developmental regulation of myelin-associated genes (Gordon et al.

Alzheimer's disease is one the foremost health problems facing every society fortunate enough to attain a level of medical care that ensures an average lifespan of over 70 years of age. The cause of the disease remains unknown, and no single therapeutic approach has yet been found highly efficacious. Indeed, as the complexity of its effects on brain neuronal systems becomes elucidated, the concept emerges that Alzheimer's disease may be an umbrella term for multiple Alzheimer's-type syndromes that can be differentiated based on etiology (hereditary versus sporadic), neurochemical deficits, and extent of pathology. Whether one or more disease processes is involved, it seems increasingly unlikely that any single drug will provide efficacious relief across the broad spectrum of symptoms reflected in large subject populations. Rational therapeutic approaches may yield long term amelioration of many symptoms in selected groups of patients; and individual symptoms may be ameliorated in larger populations. Multiple approaches may be combined to optimize therapeutic effects. For example, a variety of approaches remain focused on restoration of cholinergic neurodegeneration and enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission, whereas other approaches attempt to retard the of the brain that occurs during Alzheimer's disease. Chapters cover continuous degeneration topics from growth factor secretion of proteases, which could modify amyloid processing, to neuronal gene delivery using viral vectors. The breadth and thoroughness of the chapters truly embrace a broad spectrurn of models, pathological mechanisms and therapeutic approaches.

Covers: what is Alzheimer's; the diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease; the search for the cause of Alzheimer's Disease; the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease; and hope for the future through research. Glossary, references, and sources of help. Illustrated. Also includes a 28-page guide, "Early Identification of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias."