Is VEGF a Key Target of Cotinine and Other Potential Therapies Against Alzheimer Disease?

E-ISSN： 1875-5828|14|11|1155-1163

ISSN： 1567-2050

Source： Current Alzheimer Research, Vol.14, Iss.11, 2017-10, pp. : 1155-1163

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Abstract

Background: The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a neuroprotective cytokinethat promotes neurogenesis and angiogenesis in the brain. In animal models, it has been shown that environmentalenrichment and exercise, two non-pharmacological interventions that are beneficial decreasingthe progression of Alzheimer disease (AD) and depressive-like behavior, enhance hippocampalVEGF expression and neurogenesis. Furthermore, the stimulation of VEGF expression promotes neurotransmissionand synaptic plasticity processes such as neurogenesis. It is thought that these VEGF actionsin the brain, may underly its beneficial therapeutic effects against psychiatric and other neurologicalconditions.

Conclusion: In this review, evidence linking VEGF deficit with the development of AD as well as thepotential role of VEGF signaling as a therapeutic target for cotinine and other interventions in neurodegenerativeconditions are discussed.