Gelsolin as therapeutic target in Alzheimer's disease.
Fibrillar amyloid beta-protein (Abeta) is a major component of amyloid plaques in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, a comprehensive explanation of the mechanisms leading to brain amyloidosis is still pending. Previous studies have identified the anti-amyloidogenic role of gelsolin in AD. Gelsolin can reduce amyloid burden by acting as an inhibitor of Abeta fibrillization, and as an antioxidant and anti-apoptotic protein. Recent evidence indicates reduced brain gelsolin levels in AD. Therefore, a better understanding of the roles of gelsolin in AD pathology, particularly those related with cognition, is required. Most of the information reviewed here relates to experimental studies. However, gelsolin may progress from the present evidence to preclinical and clinical applications. In addition, a greater insight into the environmental factors contributing to abnormally reduced gelsolin function in AD brains may become crucial for the development of much needed disease-modifying strategies. Because, the efficacy of available medicines is still poor, there is an urgent need for novel AD treatments. In this sense, gelsolin could play an important role.