Research progress in characterizing multiple-target mechanisms of novel anti-Alzheimer's dimers

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex disease caused by environmental and genetic factors. Therefore, onedrug-multiple-target compounds represent the most promising pharmacological approaches to preventing and treating this disease. We have previously designed and synthesized bis(n)-Cognitin, novel anti-Alzheimer' s dimers derived from tacrine. Bis (n)-Cognitin have been proven to act on multiple important AD targets, including acetylcholinesterase, β-secretase, N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor and neuronal nitric oxide synthase, concurrently. Moreover, Bis(n)-Cognitin could inhibit β-amyloidinduced neurotoxicity, decrease glutamate-induced excitotoxicity, reduce oxidative stress, improve learning and memory, and protect against neuronal apoptosis in various in vitro and in vivo models, suggesting that bis (n)-Cognitin are potential anti-AD drug candidates.