Methods and compositions for stimulating neurogenesis and inhibiting neuronal degeneration

#The present invention generally relates to the field of neurology. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions for stimulating neurogenesis and inhibiting neuronal degeneration.

#Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that gradually destroys neurons. Over 4.5 million people in America suffer from Alzheimer's, which mostly occurs in older adults. The risk of developing Alzheimer's disease approximately doubles every five years after age 65 and reaches to 50 percent by age 85. Patients afflicted with Alzheimer's disease lose their ability to learn, remember, reason, make decisions, communicate and carry out daily activities. The direct and indirect cost of caring for Alzheimer's disease patients has increased to at least $100 billion annually.

#Stroke and traumatic brain injury can also cause neuronal loss and lead to cognitive decline.

#It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodologies, assays, etc. described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

#Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods and compositions are described, although any methods and compositions similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention.

#As used herein, the term “compound” refers to all of the iterations of the structure and formula disclosed herein and also includes a reference to a physiologically acceptable salt thereof. Examples of physiologically acceptable salts of the compounds of the present invention include salts derived from an appropriate base, such as an alkali metal, such as sodium, and alkaline earth, such as magnesium, ammonium and NX4+ (wherein X is C1-C4 alkyl). Physiologically acceptable salts of an amino group may include, but are not limited to, salts of organic carboxylic acids such as acetic, benzoic, lactic, fumaric, tartaric, maleic, malonic, malic, isethionic, lactobionic and succinic acids; organic sulfonic acids, such as methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, benzenesulfonic and p-toluenesulfonic acids; and inorganic acids, such as hydrochloric, sulfuric, phosphoric and sulfamic acids. Physiologically acceptable salts of a compound of a carboxyl group include, but are not limited to, the anion of the compound in combination with a suitable cation such as Na+ and NX4+ (wherein X is independently selected from H or a C1-C4 alkyl group).