Acetylcholinesterase: The “Hub” for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Chemical Weapons Convention
Samir F. de A. Cavalcante,
Alessandro B. C. Simas,
Marcos C. Barcellos,
Victor G. M. de Oliveira,
Roberto B. Sousa,
Paulo A. de M. Cabral,
Kamil Kuča,
Tanos C. C. França
Affiliations
Samir F. de A. Cavalcante
Institute of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (IDQBRN), Brazilian Army Technological Center (CTEx), Avenida das Américas 28705, Rio de Janeiro 23020-470, Brazil
Alessandro B. C. Simas
Walter Mors Institute of Research on Natural Products (IPPN), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), CCS, Bloco H, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
Marcos C. Barcellos
Institute of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (IDQBRN), Brazilian Army Technological Center (CTEx), Avenida das Américas 28705, Rio de Janeiro 23020-470, Brazil
Victor G. M. de Oliveira
Institute of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (IDQBRN), Brazilian Army Technological Center (CTEx), Avenida das Américas 28705, Rio de Janeiro 23020-470, Brazil
Roberto B. Sousa
Institute of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (IDQBRN), Brazilian Army Technological Center (CTEx), Avenida das Américas 28705, Rio de Janeiro 23020-470, Brazil
Paulo A. de M. Cabral
Institute of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (IDQBRN), Brazilian Army Technological Center (CTEx), Avenida das Américas 28705, Rio de Janeiro 23020-470, Brazil
Kamil Kuča
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Králové, Rokitanskeho 62, 50003 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
Tanos C. C. França
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Králové, Rokitanskeho 62, 50003 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
This article describes acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme involved in parasympathetic neurotransmission, its activity, and how its inhibition can be pharmacologically useful for treating dementia, caused by Alzheimer’s disease, or as a warfare method due to the action of nerve agents. The chemical concepts related to the irreversible inhibition of AChE, its reactivation, and aging are discussed, along with a relationship to the current international legislation on chemical weapons.
