Exploring the Role of Lipid Profile Alterations in Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Narrative Review

Document Type : Analytic Review

Authors
A. Zolfaghari
M. Khosravi
A. Omidi
Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by the progressive deterioration of the central nervous system (CNS). Depending on the affected regions, patients may experience a broad spectrum of neurological deficits, such as sensory, motor, cognitive, and psychological symptoms. Notably, cholesterol synthesis in CNS occurs in a de novo manner and is distinct from systemic lipid metabolism. However, lipids constitute a large portion of the brain and are involved in crucial brain functions like neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. Emerging evidence suggests that alterations in lipid metabolism may contribute to the development and progression of different aspects of neurodegeneration, such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired neuronal membrane function.

There are several critical changes in various lipid fractions, like cholesterol and triglycerides (TG), in individuals with neurodegenerative disorders. This narrative review aims to summarize the current understanding of the relationship between lipid profiles and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). The findings may have important implications for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies targeting lipid-related pathways in the management of these debilitating neurological conditions.

Keywords

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Pathobiology Reserach
Volume 26, Issue 4
July 2023
Pages 69-76