Background: As the global population ages, neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) present an escalating public health challenge. Despite their prevalence, the precise pathogenic mechanisms remain elusive, and curative treatments are nonexistent. Recent investigations have increasingly identified metabolic dysregulation—specifically involving glucose, lipids, and amino acids—as a fundamental driver in the etiology and progression of these conditions.
Methodology: This review synthesizes current literature regarding neuronal metabolic perturbations in neurodegeneration. We systematically categorized abnormalities across major metabolic pathways (glucose, lipids, and amino acids), analyzed their crosstalk, and examined the molecular mechanisms linking metabolic failure to neuronal cell death.
Results: Evidence suggests that impaired glucose metabolism precipitates energy deficits and oxidative stress in neurons. Concurrently, lipid metabolic disruptions compromise membrane integrity and foster pathogenic protein aggregation, while amino acid dysregulation contributes to excitotoxicity and weakened antioxidant defenses. Importantly, these pathways function synergistically; their combined failure creates a vicious cycle that accelerates neurodegeneration.
Conclusions: Targeting neuronal metabolic pathways offers a promising, multifaceted therapeutic avenue. Future investigations must pivot toward identifying disease-specific metabolic biomarkers and translating these findings into precise clinical interventions that modify disease progression rather than merely managing symptoms.
If you have any questions about submitting your review, please email us at [email protected].