“All the mice we treat showed a dramatic improvement in their motor skills. The results have exceeded our expectations and suggest that after further research this therapeutic approach can slow down Parkinson’s progress in humans,” says Double.
But experts warn that Parkinson is a complicated state that will probably require many combined interventions. Individual treatment may have a restricted effect, but its effectiveness can be increased by integrating it with other therapeutic approaches.
In this context, the findings of the Double team can be supplemented by Recent research From Stanford University, he focused on restoring communication between neurons in the Parkinson subtype associated with mutations in the gene responsible for the production of the enzyme called LRRK2.
In such cases, the mutation causes hyperactivity of the enzyme, changing the structure of the brain cells and disturbing the signaling between Dopaminergic neurons and persons in ribbon, a deep area of the brain associated with movement, motivation and decision making.
It is estimated that about 25 percent of Parkinson’s cases are genetic origin, and the LRRK2 mutation is one of the most common. The team led by Stanford Suzanne Pfeffer’s neuronaukkowiec suggested that inhibiting excessive activity of this enzyme can stabilize symptoms, especially if it was detected in early stages. The goal was to regenerate the original cilia, antenna -like structures that allow communication between cells.
The hypothesis was studied in genetically modified mice to demonstrate LRRK2 hyperactivity and early symptoms of disorder. For two weeks, these animals were served with a compound called MLI-2, which is associated with the enzyme and reduces its activity.
In this first test, no significant changes were observed, which scientists assigned to the fact that the examined neurons and glius – a different type of cell in the nervous system that support neurons – they have already matured and were not in the cell division phase.
However, the review of scientific literature revealed that even if mature, some neurons can regenerate their original cilia depending on their sleep cycles. “The findings that other non -spraying cells may develop cilia have made us think that the inhibitor still has therapeutic potential,” explains Pfeffer.
Then the team decided to extend treatment for three months. After this period, they discovered that the percentage of neurons and glial cells in the striatum with the primary core was comparable to the percentage of vigorous mice without genetic mutation.
This restoration of cellular structures enabled the reactivation of communication between dopaminergic neurons and the stripes. As a result, LRRK2 neurotransmitters induced the production of neuroprotective factors at levels similar to a vigorous brain, which was reduced as a result of the hyperactivity of LRRK2. In addition, dopaminergic density density markers have been doubled, which suggests possible to recover previously damaged neurons.
“These discoveries suggest that it is possible not only to stabilize the disease, but also to improve the condition of patients. This therapeutic approach has great potential to restore neuronal activity in the Parkinson affected circuits. Several clinical trials translate.
The authors emphasize that in order to maximize the effectiveness of this treatment, it is necessary to identify Early symptomswhich may occur up to 15 years before characteristic tremor. We hope that people with LRRK2 mutation will be able to start treatment early. The next step would be to assess whether other Parkinson variants, not related to this genetic mutation, can also use this strategy.
It is estimated that the number of Parkinson’s cases around the world may exceed 25 million to 2050, which would be an increase of 112 percent in 2021, in accordance with forecasts published In the British Medical Journal. Although these estimates are not final, the scientific community warns that they reflect the growing challenge for public health systems. For this reason, the development of therapy capable of alleviating, stabilizing and even reversing the progression of the disease is a global priority.
This story originally appeared Wired in Spanish and was translated from Spanish.