| Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia
among the elderly population. AD is accompanied with the dysregulation of specifc neurotrophic factors (NTFs) and their
receptors, which plays a critical role in neuronal degeneration. NTFs are small proteins with therapeutic potential for human
neurodegenerative diseases. These growth factors are categorized into four families: neurotrophins, neurokines, the glial
cell line-derived NTF family of ligands, and the newly discovered cerebral dopamine NTF/mesencephalic astrocyte-derived
NTF family. NTFs are capable of preventing cell death in degenerative conditions and can increase the neuronal growth and
function in these disorders. Nevertheless, the adverse side efects of NTFs delivery and poor difusion of these factors in the
brain restrict the efcacy of NTFs therapy in clinical situations.
Materials and methods In this review, we focus on the current advances in the use of NTFs to treat AD and summarize
previous experimental and clinical studies for supporting the protective and therapeutic efects of these factors.
Conclusion Based on reports, NTFs are considered as new and promising candidates for treating AD and AD-associated
cognitive impairment. |