28 september 2022 – 08:26
Oxytocin may be able to support memory in people with Alzheimer’s disease. That is the conclusion of a study led by the UM in which oxytocin was administered to mice with Alzheimer-related problems. The research is based on so-called epigenetics. These are small changes to the DNA that turn certain parts of our DNA on or off during our lifetime.
Epigenetic processes are responsible for how we respond to our environment. If you have a conversation with someone, this has an effect on the DNA in brain cells. This process ensures, among other things, that you remember things. If something goes wrong here, it can lead to memory loss, for example. This also probably contributes to memory problems in Alzheimer’s disease.
Epigenetics
Literally, epigenetics means ‘on top of genetics’. While the structure of our DNA remains the same throughout our lives, epigenetic changes allow us to adapt to our circumstances. “Take the difference between a caterpillar and a butterfly,” explains Daniel van den Hove, professor of Neuroepigenetics at Maastricht University and coordinator of the research. “There are no genetic differences, but parts of the DNA that are important for the development of wings, for example, are temporarily switched off in a caterpillar. In the butterfly stage, these parts are switched on again.” Epigenetic processes are therefore actually a kind of instructions to your body to turn certain functions on or off.
The oxytocin gene
By comparing the epigenetic code of healthy individuals and individuals with Alzheimer’s, the researchers found that there are epigenetic differences in the so-called OXT gene. That gene is responsible for the production of oxytocin, better known as the cuddle hormone. A second study showed that epigenetic changes in the OXT gene in cognitively healthy elderly people can also predict Alzheimer’s. Presumably, epigenetic changes to the OXT gene reduce the production of oxytocin in Alzheimer’s disease.
The researchers took the test and administered oxytocin to mice with Alzheimer’s-related problems. The memory of these mice recovered within a few weeks. Although we should not assume that oxytocin can cure people of Alzheimer’s, it may be possible to better support their memory in the future.
On September 23, Daniel van den Hove gave his inaugural lecture on epigenetics and Alzheimer’s disease at Maastricht University. Some of the research has been published in the journal of Clinical Epigenetics. Here is a video on oxytocin in Alzheimer’s disease by PhD student Philippos Koulousakis (UM)
Source: Maastricht University
Editorial Medicalfacts/ Janine Budding
I studied physiotherapy and health care business administration. In addition, I am a registered Independent client supporter and informal care broker. I have a lot of experience in various positions in healthcare, the social domain and the medical, pharmaceutical industry, nationally and internationally. And have broad medical knowledge of most specialties in healthcare. And of the health care laws from which health care is regulated and financed. Every year I attend most of the leading medical conferences in Europe and America to keep my knowledge up-to-date and to keep up with the latest developments and innovations. I am currently doing a Masters in Applied Psychology.
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