PKC-activating compounds for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases
The present invention relates to methods of activate an isoform of protein kinase C (PKC) for the treatment of neurological diseases including Alzheimer's disease and stroke using cyclopropanated or epoxidized derivatives of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The present invention also relates to methods of reducing neurodegeneration using cyclopropanated or epoxidized derivatives of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
1. A method for reducing neurodegeneration comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of at least one compound chosen from a cis-monounsaturated fatty acid ester in which the double bond is replaced by a cyclopropyl group.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the fatty acid from which the at least one compound is derived has a structure of
CH 3 (CH 2 ) x CH═CH(CH 2 ) y COOH
wherein x is an odd number between 3 and 11 and y is an odd number between 3 and 11.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the fatty acid from which the at least one compound is derived is chosen from oleic acid, elaidic acid, obtusilic acid, caproleic acid, lauroleic acid, linderic acid, myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, vaccenic acid, gadoleic acid, erucic acid, and petroselinic acid.