Molecular pathways: the quest for effective MAO-B inhibitors in neurodegenerative therapy

Neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s are a global health challenge due to their progressive degeneration, leading to cognitive decline and motor dysfunction. Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) enzyme is implicated in neurodegeneration, and developing inhibitors could be a promising therapeutic strategy. This review explores MAO-B activity molecular pathways, evaluates MAO-B inhibitors in neurodegenerative therapy, identifies challenges, and suggests future research directions. This review synthesizes findings from a range of scientific literature, including experimental studies, clinical trials, and biochemical analyses that focus on the role of MAO-B in neurodegeneration. Information was gathered from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, ensuring a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in MAO-B inhibition strategies. The review reveals several promising MAO-B inhibitors that have demonstrated efficacy in preclinical models, as well as some that have progressed to clinical trials. Compounds such as rasagiline and selegiline have shown neuroprotective effects and benefits in symptom management in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, the review discusses novel inhibitors that target specific molecular pathways, enhancing the potential for improved therapeutic outcomes. However, several inhibitors also present challenges regarding their selectivity, side effects, and long-term efficacy. Research on MAO-B inhibitors for neurodegenerative diseases is crucial, with ongoing studies aiming for selective, potent molecules with fewer side effects and multimodal therapies.