Therapeutic strategies to prevent Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis using a fluorescent conjugated polyelectrolyte.

Toxic metals accumulation in brain has a significant role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by accelerating amyloid β (Aβ) peptide aggregation. Aβ has high affinity for iron and copper resulting in the generation of neurotoxic hydrogen peroxide, oxidative stress and free radical formation. Water-soluble conjugated polyfluorene derivative poly(9,9-bis(6-sulphate hexyl) fluorene-alt-1,4-phenylene) sodium salt (P1) binds Fe(3+) heme proteins selectively in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), including ferritin in the Aβ fibrils and diminishes their accumulation. Hence, therapeutic strategies involving clearance of Aβ from brain plaques, metal removal, structurally modifying the aggregates, and preventing them from aggregating again into toxic polypeptides are vital strategies to control AD pathogenesis.