Oxidative processes in Alzheimer's disease: the role of A beta-metal interactions

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by signs of a major oxidative stress i n the neocortex and the concomitant deposition of Amyloid beta (A beta). A beta is a metalloprotein that binds copper. and is electrochemically active . A beta converts molecular oxygen into hydrogen peroxide by reducing coppe r or iron, and this may lead to Fenton chemistry. Hydrogen peroxide is a fr eely permeable prooxidant that may be responsible for many of the oxidative adducts that form in the Alzheimer-affected brain. The electrochemical act ivity of various A beta species correlates with the peptides' neurotoxicity in cell culture, and participation in the neuropathology of Alzheimer's di sease. These reactions present a novel target for Alzheimer therapeutics. ( C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.