Current status and perspectives regarding the therapeutic potential of trehalose supplementation in Alzheimer s disease

Background and Objective: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a degenerative brain disease and the most general reason to dementia. Multiple molecular pathways, including inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy and aggregation of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ), and tau proteins are involved in the pathophysiology of AD. Trehalose supplementation is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. This review summarizes what is known regarding the effects of trehalose supplementation on AD and the mechanisms involved. Search Method: Databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched until January 31th, 2019. Findings: pre-clinical studies have shown that trehalose supplementation is an appropriate therapeutic approach for AD. Trehalose had beneficial effects on AD through controlling the aggregation of numerous proteins. Trehalose significantly decreased Aβ and tau aggregation, and oxidative stress in the in vivo and in vitro model of AD. Inhibition of tau aggregation can be due to activation of autophagy by trehalose. Conclusion: Current evidence documented the therapeutic benefits of trehalose supplementation in the treatment of AD. Clinical trials and more in vivo studies are required to evaluate the therapeutic effects of trehalose supplementation in the treatment of AD.

Keywords:

Trehalose , Alzheimer’s disease , Amyloid beta-Peptides , Tau protein