Multifunctional enzyme inhibition for neuroprotection: a focus on MAO, NOS, and AChE inhibitors

Abstract

Neurodegenerative disorders are known to be multifactorial in nature and current research focus has moved from a ‘one-drug-one-target approach’ to that of drugs which are able to act at various relevant biological targets. These drugs are designed to address more than one etiological target, thereby increasing therapeutic effect and patient compliance and may lower the likelihood of encountering unwanted side-effects. Monoamine oxidase (MAO), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) are enzymes that have long been associated as potential targets for neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. The selective inhibition of the abovementioned enzymes and other relevant CNS targets may provide promising strategies in the development of multifunctional neuroprotective therapeutic agents for the treatment/prevention of neurodegenerative disorders