Design and synthesis of new DHEA and pregnenolone derivatives with anti-apoptotic, neuroprotective activity

摘要

Neuronal cell death by apoptosis is the 'end-point' of many human neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, stroke/trauma, multiple and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A fundamental approach for reducing the burden of neurodegenerative diseases is to slow or halt progression, and ultimately, to prevent the onset of the disease process. Thus, strategies for neuroprotection, preventing apoptotic neuronal cell loss may offer new therapeutic interventions. Natural neurosteroids such as DHEA and allopregnanolone possess important neuroprotective and neurogenic properties in vitro and in vivo, in experimental animals.