Chemicals with Mitochondrial Targets for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders

Abstract

Background: Mitochondria are undoubtedly key organelles for the cellular function as the main energy supplier, calcium buffer, and apoptosis mediator. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been identified as a common characteristic in most neurodegenerative diseases, i.e., Alzheimer, Parkinson, and epilepsy. This knowledge has opened a new opportunity for the development of new drugs, testing of natural extracts and, finally, application of nanotechnology in search of beneficial effects on mitochondrial components. Objective: To make a search in databases, and to analyze the latest research on mitochondrial-targeted pharmacological interventions for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Method: We searched the databases; focusing on the latest research reports  on the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders with mitochondrial targets, such as antioxidants, inhibitors of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), drugs that modify the mitochondrial dynamics, as well as the promising application of nanotechnology in improving drug delivery to the central nervous system. Results: We analyzed over 120 papers for this review. We found evidence of the successful treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in human and experimental models with natural and designed drugs targeting mitochondria. The structure and function is discussed. Conclusion: Mitochondrial dysfunction is a promising target for pharmacological treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The development of powerful drugs with properties as antioxidants, mitochondrial dynamics and mPTP regulators or design of nanoparticles, all of them with the capacity to reach mitochondria in the central nervous system, preventing neurodegeneration, is becoming a key player in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.