Apoptosis: Therapeutic target in neurodegeneration and sepsis

Abstract

Cellular apoptosis has been considered as themain physiological mechanism underlyingneuronal demise associated to neurodegenerativediseases. Apoptosis has also been described inparenquimal and microvascular endotheliumin the acute phase of sepsis during multi-organicdysfunction. Therefore, strategies aimed toMuerte celular: blanco terapéutico enneurodegeneración y sepsisGonzalo Arboleda*, Luisa M. Matheus†prevent apoptosis (anti-apoptotic) represent avaluable tool for prevention and/or retardationof the appearance of clinical symptoms in thesedisorders, which generate a large morbilitymortality,social and economic burden worldwide.The present review is aim to show that antiapoptoticstrategies hold a great therapeuticpotential. In this sense, we will review some ofthese potential therapies such as caspaseinhibitors, activated protein C, Bcl-2 family andthe PI3K/Akt signalling pathway.

Keywords

• Apoptosis
• nerve degeneration
• sepsis
• protection
• caspases
• protein C.