CHAPTER 14: Tryptophan Metabolism in Parkinson’s Disease: Future Therapeutic Possibilities
-
Published:18 Jul 2013
-
Special Collection: 2013 ebook collection , 2011-2015 industrial and pharmaceutical chemistry subject collectionSeries: Drug Discovery Series
Z. Majláth and L. Vécsei, in Emerging Drugs and Targets for Parkinson’s Disease, ed. A. Martinez and C. Gil, The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013, pp. 327-340.
Download citation file:
Parkinson’s disease is a common, disabling neurodegenerative disorder with characteristic motor and non‐motor symptoms. The exact pathomechanism remains still enigmatic, but some of the main mechanisms contributing to the development of the disease are already recognized. Genetic factors may predispose dopaminergic neurons to selective damage, while mitochondrial disturbances, oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory processes are the key steps leading to final neuronal death. Tryptophan metabolism has been the focus of research interest in recent years after it became evident that alterations in the kynurenine pathway are deeply involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. The kynurenine pathway may be a valuable target for developing novel neuroprotective therapies in the future.