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Targeting mitophagy for neurological disorders treatment: advances in drugs and non-drug approaches

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Abstract

Mitochondria serve as a vital energy source for nerve cells. The mitochondrial network also acts as a defense mechanism against external stressors that can threaten the stability of the nervous system. However, excessive accumulation of damaged mitochondria can lead to neuronal death. Mitophagy is an essential pathway in the mitochondrial quality control system and can protect neurons by selectively removing damaged mitochondria. In most neurological disorders, dysfunctional mitochondria are a common feature, and drugs that target mitophagy can improve symptoms. Here, we reviewed the role of mitophagy in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, stroke, and traumatic brain injuries. We also summarized drug and non-drug approaches to promote mitophagy and described their therapeutic role in neurological disorders in order to provide valuable insight into the potential therapeutic agents available for neurological disease treatment. However, most studies on mitophagy regulation are based on preclinical research using cell and animal models, which may not accurately reflect the effects in humans. This poses a challenge to the clinical application of drugs targeting mitophagy. Additionally, these drugs may carry the risk of intolerable side effects and toxicity. Future research should focus on the development of safer and more targeted drugs for mitophagy.

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Funding

This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 81901296) and Sichuan Science and Technology Program (Grant No. 2022NSFSC0758).

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Original concept: Xiong Yang and Mei-Hong Lu; writing—original draft of the review: Xiong Yang and Yu Zhang; prepared table and figures: Xiong Yang, Jia-xin Luo, Tao Zhu, and Zhao Ran; writing—review and editing Ben-Rong Mu and Mei-Hong Lu. The authors confirm that no paper mill and artificial intelligence was used.

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Correspondence to Ben-Rong Mu or Mei-Hong Lu.

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Yang, X., Zhang, Y., Luo, Jx. et al. Targeting mitophagy for neurological disorders treatment: advances in drugs and non-drug approaches. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Arch Pharmacol 396, 3503–3528 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-023-02636-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-023-02636-w

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