HIF-1 as a possible therapy for Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

The most significant pathology markers of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) are the tau protein and amyloid beta protein (A). A transcription factor called hypoxia-induced factor 1 (HIF-1) is in charge of helping cells and tissues adjust to low oxygen levels. Recent research points to HIF-1 as a possible therapeutic target for neurodegenerative disorders. On the one hand, it is hypothesized that HIF-1 causes neuroinflammation, which aids in the development of AD, by activating -secretase and inhibiting -secretases, thereby increasing the processing of APP and the production of A. HIF-1, on the other hand, is able to fend off the harmful effects of A and stop tau protein from becoming hyperphosphorylated. Icariin has numerous pharmacological actions as a medication that can decrease the clinical indicators of AD, including anti-depression, treatment of ischemic brain injury, anti-dementia, anti-aging, etc., and is closely related to HIF-1. This article reviews the possible role of HIF-1 in the pathogenesis of AD and its future prospects.