Latrepirdine: a systematic review of the preclinical studies

We conduct a systematic review of the preclinical studies published to date involving the use of latrepirdine (Dimebon (R)). Latrepirdine is capable of modulating different targets, such as those related with mitochondria, acetylcholinesterase activity or intraneuronal calcium levels, perhaps thanks to its action upon the N-methyl-D-aspartate-type receptor, which belongs to the glutamate family. The findings published on the possible effect of latrepirdine in protein aggregation processes in disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are quite controversial. Likewise, the possible neuroprotective effect of latrepirdine has been evaluated in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, again with heterogeneous results. Consequently, it can be concluded that no preclinical scientific evidence has been found to justify carrying out clinical trials.