Evaluating the Therapeutic Effects of Oxytocin on Animal Model of Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

Introduction: Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most prevalent progressive neurodegenerative disorder, leading to significant cognitive decline and dementia. Oxytocin (OXT), a peptide hormone synthesized in the hypothalamus, has emerged as a critical player in cognitive functioning. Notably, alterations in OXT levels have been reported in individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

Methods: This systematic review aims to synthesize existing literature from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on the therapeutic potential of OXT in AD treatment. Two independent individuals conducted the screening procedure for all articles.

Results: Our screening revealed that studies investigating OXT therapy primarily involve animal models. These studies consistently demonstrate that, OXT administration mitigates various memory deficits in animal models of AD. These improvements are linked to mechanisms such as reduced microglial-driven inflammation and decreased amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition, but changes in plaque load do not always correspond directly to cognitive improvement.

Discussion: While these findings are promising and oxytocin could be a potential therapeutic candidate for AD, the evidence is limited to animal studies. There is a lack of robust human data, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions about oxytocin's efficacy in people with AD. Ongoing and future clinical trials will be crucial to determine whether these preclinical benefits translate to humans.

Conclusion: Despite the limited number of studies examining the effects of OXT on AD and the inherent challenges in conducting such research, the available evidence from animal studies suggests promising results. These findings can serve as a valuable foundation for future human and complementary studies aimed at exploring oxytocin's therapeutic potential in treating AD.