Platinum-based inhibitors of amyloid-β as therapeutic agents for Alzheimer's disease

Amelyoid-beta peptide (A beta) is a major causative agent responsible for Alzheimer's disease (AD). A beta contains a high affinity metal binding site that modulates peptide aggregation and toxicity. Therefore, identifying molecules targeting this site represents a valid therapeutic strategy. To test this hypothesis, a range of L-PtCl2 (L = 1,10-phenanthroline derivatives) complexes were examined and shown to bind to A beta, inhibit neurotoxicity and rescue A beta-induced synaptotoxicity in mouse hippocampal slices. Coordination of the complexes to A beta altered the chemical properties of the peptide inhibiting amyloid formation and the generation of reactive oxygen species. In comparison, the classic anticancer drug cisplatin did not affect any of the biochemical and cellular effects of A beta. This implies that the planar aromatic 1,10-phenanthroline ligands L confer some specificity for A beta onto the platinum complexes. The potent effect of the L-PtCl2 complexes identifies this class of compounds as therapeutic agents for AD.