Selective inhibition of Abeta42 production by NSAID R-enantiomers

J Neurochem. 2002 Nov;83(4):1009-12. doi: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2002.01195.x.

Abstract

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been associated with reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and selected NSAIDs racemates suppress beta-amyloid (Abeta) accumulation in vivo and Abeta42 production in vitro. Clinical use of NSAIDs for preventing or treating AD has been hampered by dose-limiting toxicity believed to be due to cyclooxygenase (COX)-inhibition that is reportedly not essential for selective Abeta42 reduction. Profens have racemates and R-enantiomers were supposed to be inactive forms. Here we demonstrate that R-ibuprofen and R-flurbiprofen, with poor COX-inhibiting activity, reduce Abeta42 production by human cells. Although these R-enantiomers inhibit nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation and NF-kappaB can selectively regulate Abeta42, Abeta42 reduction is not mediated by inhibition of NF-kappaB activation. Because of its efficacy at lowering Abeta42 production and low toxicity profile, R-flurbiprofen is a strong candidate for clinical development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / analysis
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / metabolism*
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / genetics
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / metabolism
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / pharmacology*
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cell Line
  • Culture Media, Conditioned / chemistry
  • Culture Media, Conditioned / metabolism
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Flurbiprofen / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Ibuprofen / pharmacology
  • Kidney / cytology
  • Kidney / drug effects
  • Kidney / metabolism
  • Mutation
  • NF-kappa B / antagonists & inhibitors
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Peptide Fragments / analysis
  • Peptide Fragments / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Peptide Fragments / metabolism*
  • Peptides / pharmacology
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Culture Media, Conditioned
  • NF-kappa B
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Peptides
  • SN50 peptide
  • amyloid beta-protein (1-40)
  • amyloid beta-protein (1-42)
  • Flurbiprofen
  • Ibuprofen