Rationale of the potential role of lithium in the antiaging arena

• Lithium is the mainstay treatment in the management of bipolar disorder. A growing body of findings suggests that lithium could be considered a neuroprotective agent that might slow the progression of neurobiological abnormalities in Alzheimer's disease and possibly in other neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, the effect of lithium on telomere length, as well as the increased overall survival associated with microdoses of lithium in drinking water, led to hypothesize that lithium might have "antiaging" properties. In this review, we summarize available evidence from preclinical and clinical studies investigating the potential beneficial effects of lithium in the antiaging arena and in neurodegenerative disorders, as well as the putative underlying molecular mechanisms, including inhibition of the glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) enzyme, reduction of oxidative stress and counteraction of telomere shortening. Additionally, we present a timely overview of currently active clinical trials that might enhance our understanding of the beneficial properties of lithium and highlight the potential for drug repurposing.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Farmakologi och toxikologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Pharmacology and Toxicology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Lithium

Antiaging

Neurodegenerative diseases

Alzheimer's disease

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) inhibitors

Telomere length modulators

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

for (ämneskategori)