2023-09-21 16:08:00
Groundbreaking Study Uncovers Causes of Cell Death in Alzheimer’s Patients, Opening New Avenues for Treatment
A groundbreaking study from researchers in Belgium and the UK may have uncovered the causes of cell death in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. This discovery could potentially lead to the development of more effective drugs for combating this devastating disease.
Alzheimer’s, a form of dementia, is a growing global challenge affecting approximately 55 million people worldwide. With the number of cases expected to rise to 139 million by 2050, researchers are urgently searching for solutions to halt the progression of the disease.
The recent study reveals that abnormal proteins in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients are the primary cause of cell death. These proteins trigger a specific type of cell death called “necroptosis.” Normally, necroptosis functions to eliminate unwanted cells during immune reactions or inflammation. However, in Alzheimer’s patients, brain cells become inflamed due to the accumulation of abnormal amyloid between neurons, leading to changes in cell chemistry.
The study also demonstrates that amyloid clumps together to form “plaques,” while the tau protein assembles into fiber bundles known as “tangles.” These processes stimulate the production of a molecule called MEG3, which, when blocked, allows brain cells to survive.
The research was conducted on genetically modified mice that produce large amounts of abnormal amyloid, similar to Alzheimer’s patients. While the results from animal experiments cannot be directly applied to human brains, they provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of brain cell death in Alzheimer’s.
“For the first time, we are getting a clue as to how and why neurons die in Alzheimer’s disease. There has been a lot of speculation for 30-40 years, but no one has been able to pinpoint the mechanisms,” said Professor Bart De Strooper, one of the study leaders from the British Dementia Research Institute.
The findings of this study offer hope for the development of new approaches to treating Alzheimer’s. Drugs like lecanemab, which specifically target the amyloid protein, may be able to block the MEG3 molecule and prevent brain cells from dying. Lecanemab, already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to slow early-stage disease progression, could potentially be enhanced to provide even greater benefits.
While there is still much work to be done, this breakthrough brings researchers one step closer to unraveling the mysteries of Alzheimer’s disease. With continued efforts and advancements in understanding the causes of cell death, the development of more effective Alzheimer’s drugs may be within reach.]
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