The role of Beta-adrenergic receptor blockers in Alzheimer's disease: potential genetic and cellular signaling mechanisms

Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2013 Aug;28(5):427-39. doi: 10.1177/1533317513488924. Epub 2013 May 20.

Abstract

According to genetic studies, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is linked to beta-adrenergic receptor blockade through numerous factors, including human leukocyte antigen genes, the renin-angiotensin system, poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase 1, nerve growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate. Beta-adrenergic receptor blockade is also implicated in AD due to its effects on matrix metalloproteinases, mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, prostaglandins, cyclooxygenase-2, and nitric oxide synthase. Beta-adrenergic receptor blockade may also have a significant role in AD, although the role is controversial. Behavioral symptoms, sex, or genetic factors, including Beta 2-adrenergic receptor variants, apolipoprotein E, and cytochrome P450 CYP2D6, may contribute to beta-adrenergic receptor blockade modulation in AD. Thus, the characterization of beta-adrenergic receptor blockade in patients with AD is needed.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; beta-adrenergic receptor antagonism; beta-adrenergic receptor blocker; dementia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / pharmacology*
  • Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy*
  • Alzheimer Disease / genetics*
  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Brain / drug effects
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects*
  • Signal Transduction / genetics

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta