Prion diseases

A significant similarity of the pathological picture of cerebrum in prion diseases and in Alzheimer’s disease points to the existence of common mechanisms causing changes of neurons and their death in these incurable diseases. Both diseases often develop as sporadic forms, but in family cases the disease is inherited in autosomic-dominant type and determined by specific genetic mutations. The loss of neurons and reactive gliosis is noted in the central nervous system in both diseases. The common mechanism of forming and evolution of amyloid plates in cerebrum in Alzheimer’s disease and prion diseases is determined. All this proves that comparing analysis of changes, developing in the central nervous system in cases of other diseases relating to neurodegenerative ones is a perspective approach of researches of prion diseases. In conclusion, we can note that in modern scientists’ opinion the study of mechanisms of forming pathological process and development methods of treatment of prion diseases can promote clarification of pathogenesis and creation of new therapeutic approaches in more spread neurogenerative diseases in human such as Alzheimer’s disease, side amiotrophic sclerosis, Parkinson disease. However, how soon the possibility of treating prion diseases will be real, it depends on successes in developing molecular and cellular biology and chemistry of protein. It gives possibility to decode processes of prions synthesis and understanding pathogenetic mechanisms of these diseases.

Zuev V.A., Zavalishin I.A., Roikhel V.M. Prion diseases of humans and animals / Manual for physicians.- Moscow: Medicina Publishers, 1999.- 192p. (P.61,103).- ISBN 5-225-04442-5