β-Amyloid Degradation and Alzheimer's Disease

[摘要] Extensiveβ-amyloid (Aβ) deposits in brain parenchymain the form of senile plaques and in blood vessels in the form ofamyloid angiopathy are pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer'sdisease (AD). The mechanisms underlying Aβdepositionremain unclear. Major efforts have focused on Aβproduction,but there is little to suggest that increased production ofAβplays a role in Aβdeposition, except for rarefamilial forms of AD. Thus, other mechanisms must be involved inthe accumulation of Aβin AD. Recent data shows thatimpaired clearance may play an important role in Aβaccumulation in the pathogenesis of AD. This review focuses on ourcurrent knowledge of Aβ-degrading enzymes, includingneprilysin (NEP), endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE),insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE), angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE), and the plasmin/uPA/tPA system as they relate to amyloiddeposition in AD.

[学科分类] 基础医学