Methylxanthines and Neurodegenerative Diseases: An Update

doi:10.3390/nu13030803

Paper

Methylxanthines and Neurodegenerative Diseases: An Update

Published Feb 28, 2021 · Daniel Janitschke, A. Lauer, C. M. Bachmann

Nutrients

Q1 SJR score

31

Citations

1

Influential Citations

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Abstract

Methylxanthines (MTX) are purine derived xanthine derivatives. Whereas naturally occurring methylxanthines like caffeine, theophylline or theobromine are widely consumed in food, several synthetic but also non-synthetic methylxanthines are used as pharmaceuticals, in particular in treating airway constrictions. Besides the well-established bronchoprotective effects, methylxanthines are also known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, mediate changes in lipid homeostasis and have neuroprotective effects. Known molecular mechanisms include adenosine receptor antagonism, phosphodiesterase inhibition, effects on the cholinergic system, wnt signaling, histone deacetylase activation and gene regulation. By affecting several pathways associated with neurodegenerative diseases via different pleiotropic mechanisms and due to its moderate side effects, intake of methylxanthines have been suggested to be an interesting approach in dealing with neurodegeneration. Especially in the past years, the impact of methylxanthines in neurodegenerative diseases has been extensively studied and several new aspects have been elucidated. In this review we summarize the findings of methylxanthines linked to Alzheimer´s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis since 2017, focusing on epidemiological and clinical studies and addressing the underlying molecular mechanisms in cell culture experiments and animal studies in order to assess the neuroprotective potential of methylxanthines in these diseases.

Very Rigorous Journal

Study Snapshot

Methylxanthines show potential neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Multiple Sclerosis, with moderate side effects and potential for use in treating these diseases.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

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Paper

Methylxanthines and Neurodegenerative Diseases: An Update

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References

Citations

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Urinary metabolomics identifies key metabolites and pathways as potential biomarkers for monitoring Alzheimer's disease progression and aiding in early detection and intervention strategies.

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Plant extracts, such as vitamins, polyphenols, stilbenes, flavonoids, and methylxanthines, show potential as natural antioxidants in cosmetic products, enhancing skin health and preventing ageing.

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Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) with density functional theory (DFT) can non-destructively and accurately identify xanthine alkaloids, aiding in understanding their pharmacological functions.

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Uric acid has both beneficial and detrimental effects on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, with its antioxidant effect reducing neurodegeneration but also increasing cognitive impairment risk.

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Glucosylated 8-aryl xanthines show improved water solubility and enzyme inhibition efficiency, making them more effective and blood-brain barrier permeable for clinical applications.