Linked Life Data

20021336

Source:http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/id/20021336

Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
1
pubmed:dateCreated
2009-12-21
pubmed:abstractText
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult onset, progressive and fatal motor neuron degenerative disease [1]. The aetiology of ALS is currently unknown, though strongly suggested to be multifactorial. Recently, the kynurenine pathway (KP) has emerged as a potential contributing factor [2]. The KP is a major route for the metabolism of tryptophan, generating neuroactive intermediates in the process. These catabolites include the excitotoxic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor agonist, quinolinic acid (QUIN) [3] and the neuroprotective NMDA receptor antagonist, kynurenic acid (KYNA) [4,5]. These catabolites appear to play a key role in the communication between the nervous and immune systems, and also in modulating cell proliferation and tissue function [6]. As the cause of ALS is still unknown, there is presently no efficient treatment for it. Currently, Riluzole is the drug of choice but its effect is relatively modest [7]. Targeting the KP, hence, could offer a new therapeutic option to improve ALS treatment [8]. Several drugs that block the KP are already under investigation by our laboratory and others, some of which are in or about to enter clinical trials for other diseases. For example, the KP inhibitors, Teriflunomide (Sanofi-Aventis) and Laquinimod (Teva Neuroscience). Recently, a KP inhibitor has also reached the Japan market as an immunomodulative drug [9]: Tranilast/Rizaben (Angiogen Ltd.) is an anthranilic acid derivative [8]. Finally, the 8-hydroxyquinolinine metal attenuating compounds, Clioquinol and PBT2, interestingly have close structural similarity with KYNA and QUIN. Such drugs would open a new and important therapeutic door for ALS.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Mar
pubmed:issn
1875-6166
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Electronic
pubmed:volume
9
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
32-9
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2009
pubmed:articleTitle
Recent advances in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Emphasis on kynurenine pathway inhibitors.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Pharmacology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article