Molecular and clinical aspects of the effect of cytidyndiphosphocholine on cognitive functions

OBJECTIVE Systematization of the array of publications on cytidyldiphosphocholine (CDP-choline). MATERIAL AND METHODS Systematic computer analysis of all currently available publications on CDP-choline (1750 publications in PUBMED) using the topological theory of big data analysis. RESULTS CDP-choline is essential for acetylcholine biosynthesis, phospholipid metabolism, and DNA methylation. The article describes the effects of CDP-choline on acetylcholinergic and other types of neurotransmission, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects of CDP-choline. Also, the paper presents the effects of the molecule on lipid metabolism and gene expression within the post-genomic paradigm (in particular, an increase in the expression of nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors). The results of fundamental and clinical studies of CDP-choline in the treatment of cognitive impairments associated with cerebral ischemia and neurodegeneration are presented. CONCLUSION The pharmacological effects of CDP-choline are mediated through multiple molecular mechanisms that contribute to the nootropic action of this molecule.