Prostaglandins against parkinsonism
Scientists have found the key to treating Parkinson's disease
Svetlana Maslova, Hi-tech+
Preclinical studies have shown that experimental therapy can have a neuroprotective effect and reduce the symptoms of the disease. Scientists believe that the treatment will stop and even reverse the incurable disease. And it may become available soon enough.
A new therapeutic strategy, described in the press release of Molecular pair offers potential for Parkinson's Disease treatment, finds NTU Singapore-Harvard study, uses two biochemical mediators – prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and prostaglandin A1 (PGA1), which increase dopamine levels in the brain.
Article by Rajan et al. PGE1 and PGA1 bind to Nurr1 and activate its transcriptional function is published in the journal Nature Chemical Biology.
In patients with Parkinson's disease, dopamine levels decrease as the disease progresses and gradually leads to impaired motor functions, muscle rigidity, as well as sleep disorders, depression and other consequences of the disease.
Scientists from the USA and Singapore found that PGE1 and PGA1 positively affect dopamine levels when they bind to the Nurr1 protein.
This interaction leads to a noticeable increase in dopamine production and at the same time prevents the death of brain neurons.
In experiments on a mouse model of the disease Parkinson's activation of Nurr1 significantly improved the motor functions of animals.
The results open a new way to create drugs that activate Nurr1. "Currently, there are treatments that are aimed at increasing dopamine levels, but they have side effects and can only eliminate symptoms without slowing the progression of the disease," the authors commented.
PGA1 is known for its anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties, and PGE1 is used in clinical practice. This means that testing of a new therapy can be accelerated and the experimental drug will reach clinical trials faster.
Currently, scientists are working on a synthetic form of PGE1/PGA1, which will activate Nurr1, thereby stopping or reversing the development of Parkinson's disease.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru