Diabetes Medication Helps with Alzheimer's Disease
In experiments on genetically modified mice used as a model of Alzheimer's disease, researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch, working under the guidance of Associate Professor Kelly Dineley, demonstrated that treatment with rosiglitazone, in addition to the main effect of reducing insulin resistance, improves learning and memory.
The authors believe that this effect is due to a decrease in the negative effect of Alzheimer's disease on the behavior of one of the key signaling molecules of the brain – kinase regulated by extracellular signals (extracellular signal-regulated kinase, ERK). Hyperactivity of this enzyme is characteristic of the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease, as well as a mouse model with a stage of the disease corresponding to mild disorders of cognitive functions. Such excessive activity leads to disorders of synaptic transmission between neurons and, accordingly, to deterioration of memory and learning ability.
Rosiglitazone reduces ERK activity by activating a mechanism triggered by a gamma receptor activated by the proliferator peroxisome (PPARgamma), affecting genes that respond to both PPARgamma and ERK.
Dysfunction of kinase regulated by extracellular signals in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease was discovered by Associate Professor Dineli several years ago. However, the compilation of individual pieces of the puzzle – protein, gene and memory disorders – became possible only thanks to the work of a multidisciplinary group of researchers, including neuroscientists specializing in cognitive processes, biochemists, molecular biologists, specialists in mass spectrometry, statistics and bioinformatics.
Currently, the authors and other groups of researchers around the world are starting clinical studies to study the effectiveness of treatments for insulin resistance in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Article by Larry A. Denner et al. Cognitive Enhancement with Rosiglitazone Links the Hippocampal PPARgamma and ERK MAPK Signaling Pathways published in the Journal of Neuroscience.
Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of the University of Texas:
Research shows diabetes drug improves memory.
23.11.2012