Explaining ADAGIO: A critical review of the biological basis for the clinical effects of rasagiline

Abstract The ADAGIO study demonstrated a symptomatic benefit for rasagiline in early Parkinson's disease (PD) and suggested a disease‐modifying effect. Evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a role in the pathogenesis of PD and that this may be the site of effect for rasagiline. In this systematic review, evidence for the role of mitochondria in the pathogenesis of PD are reviewed in light of other proposed mechanisms of neuronal degeneration and the actions of rasagiline and its component parts, namely propargylamine and the metabolite, aminoindan. Evidence for the role of mitochondria in the pathogenesis and treatment of PD are reviewed in light of other proposed mechanisms of neuronal degeneration and clinical actions of rasagiline. Monoamine oxidase B (MAO‐B) located in the outer mitochondrial membrane controls dopamine metabolism in early PD, and this is the likely location for the symptomatic action of rasagiline. Accumulating evidence indicates that mitochondrial impairment contributes to dopaminergic neuronal loss in PD, either directly or through other mechanisms such as oxidative stress or protein misfolding. Further rasagiline affects numerous mitochondrial mechanisms that prevent apoptotic cell death including prevention of opening of the mitochondrial transition pore, decreased release of cytochrome C, alterations in pro‐antiapoptotic genes and proteins, and the nuclear translocation of glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Thus, the functional neuroprotective actions of rasagiline may not be dependent on MAO‐B inhibition, but rather may involve actions of the propargylamine moiety and the aminoindan metabolite. An accumulating body of literature indicates a mitochondrial site of action for rasagiline and highlights the neuroprotective action of the drug, providing strong biological plausibility for disease‐modifying effects of the drug such as those observed in ADAGIO. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society