Linking the low-density lipoprotein receptor-binding segment enables the therapeutic 5-YHEDA peptide to cross the blood-brain barrier and scavenge excess iron and radicals in the brain of senescent mice

Abstract

Iron accumulates in the brain during aging, which catalyzes radical formation, causing neuronal impairment, and is thus considered a pathogenic factor in Alzheimer s disease (AD). To scavenge excess iron‐catalyzed radicals and thereby protect the brain and decrease the incidence of AD, we synthesized a soluble pro‐iron 5‐YHEDA peptide. However, the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) blocks large drug molecules from entering the brain and thus strongly reduces their therapeutic effects. However, alternative receptor‐ or transporter‐mediated approaches are possible.