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Ministry of Education and Science of Russia 23 December 2025 19:34
Scientists at the Kazan Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (KazNC RAS), in collaboration with colleagues from KFU, KNRTU and IMH RAS, have obtained a series of new molecules based on substituted pyrocatechin derivatives, which may be the key to more effective treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Pyrocatechin itself is a natural antioxidant with anti—inflammatory properties. This substance and its derivatives are present in the wood and resins of some plants, as well as in coffee.
Researchers have created inhibitors (molecules capable of suppressing activity) of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), an enzyme that plays an essential role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The obtained compounds demonstrate slow binding of the enzyme, ensuring its inhibition and a prolonged decrease in its concentration and, consequently, activity. This mechanism makes it possible to reduce the required dose of the drug and prolong its effect, which is especially important for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In this case, the concentration of the inhibitor in a confined space (for example, in synapses, the point of contact where signals are transmitted from one nerve cell to another) will remain high enough for a longer time, which is extremely important for the positive dynamics of the process.
Suppression of BChE activity promotes the accumulation of neurotransmitters, chemicals capable of transmitting signals between nerve cells, which is necessary to maintain memory and learning processes. At the same time, scientists have discovered that the dual structure of the resulting molecules provides them with an amazing ability to self-organize into nanoparticles. The molecules form nanometer—sized structures and can be integrated into liposomes, tiny fat capsules for targeted drug delivery directly to cells.
Unlike existing drugs, which have limited efficacy and high toxicity, the new compounds promise to be more selective, safe and effective, and their use, according to the authors of the study, may be a step towards creating next-generation drugs that will combat several aspects of Alzheimer’s disease at once.
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