Alzheimers brain treatment shows promising results in a new study
As Alzheimer’s disease now affects seven million Americans, the largest number in history, there is a growing demand for new treatments.
Scientists at the University of California, Irvine, have discovered a new “innovative” therapy to combat the disease.
The treatment implies the use of stem cells to “program” human immune cells, called microglia, to counteract the signs of dementia in the brain, according to a press release from UCI.
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Microglia are immune cells found in the central nervous system that act as the “main line of defense of the brain against infection and injury,” according to restorers.
Using the edition of the CRISPR gene, the scientists designed the cells to produce an enzyme called Neprilsin, which has been shown to break down toxic beta-amyloid plates that accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
As Alzheimer’s disease now affects seven million Americans, the largest number in history, there is a growing demand for new treatments. (Istock)
In mice brains, it was found that modified cells preserve neurons, decrease inflammation, reduce the accumulation of beta-amyloid and reverse neurodegeneration, researchers found.
The study, which was funded by the National Health Institutes, was published in Cell Stem Cell magazine.
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“The delivery of biological products to the brain has been an important challenge due to the blood brain barrier,” said co-author Mathew Blurton-Jones, a professor of neurobiology and behavior, in launch.
“We have developed a programmable vital delivery system that approaches that problem residing in the brain itself and responding only when and where it is necessary.”
The researchers observed that the programmed cells are directed to the amyloid plaques, which makes the approach “highly directed but widely effective.”
“We have developed a programmable vital delivery system that approaches that problem residing in the brain itself and responding only when and where it is necessary.”
The study also found that microglia could be effective in fighting other central nervous system disorders, such as brain cancer and multiple sclerosis.
“This work opens the door to a completely new class of brain therapies,” said Robert C. Spitale, a professor of pharmaceutical sciences, at launch.
“Instead of using synthetic drugs or viral vectors, we are getting the immune cells of the brain as precision delivery vehicles.”
Using the edition of the CRISPR gene, the scientists designed the cells to produce an enzyme called Neprilsin, which has been shown to break down toxic beta-amyloid plates that accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. (Istock)
Dr. Joel Salinas, behavioral neurologist and associated professor at the Nyu Grossman School of Medicine, said this study is an “impressive concept test” for highly specific and receptive brain therapy.
“One of the most exciting aspects is precision: instead of releasing treatment throughout the brain, these modified cells are activated only where disease -related damage is produced,” said Salinas, who did not participate in the investigation, News Digital.
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“That type of directed action could help limit damage to healthy brain tissue, reduce side effects and concentrate the therapeutic effects where they are most needed.”
While the results are still early and limited to mice, Salinas said that this strategy opens a “new promising way.”
While the results are still early and limited to mice, the strategy opens a “new promising route,” said a neurologist. (Istock)
Looking towards the future, researchers aim to perform human trials, potentially using stem cells of each individual patient to reduce the risk of immune rejection, according to the statement.
“If future studies show that this approach is safe, durable and effective in humans, it could be adapted not only for Alzheimer’s, but also for other conditions where disease processes are irregular or localized, such as brain tumors, multiple sclerosis or other neurodegenerative diseases that cause dementia,” said Salinas.
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Courtney Kloske, Ph.D., director of scientific participation of the Alzheimer Association in Chicago, also reviewed the findings of the ICU study.
“With the continuous aging of the population, the strategic research funds to expand the therapeutic pipe for Alzheimer’s and other diseases that cause dementia is critical,” he told News Digital.
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“It is equally important to explore different drug administration methods, such as the use of genetically modified cells as demonstrated in this recently published research.”
Kloske pointed out that these findings are promising and hopeful, but preliminary.
“Additional research is needed to determine how this type of medication management mechanism could affect people who live or at risk of Alzheimer’s,” said a representative of the Alzheimer’s association. (Istock)
“Additional research is needed to determine how this type of medication management mechanism could affect people who live or at risk of Alzheimer’s,” he said.
“This work was carried out in animal models; the authors emphasize the importance of advancing in this research in clinical trials in people to better understand the therapeutic potential of this drug administration mechanism.”
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In addition to the NIH, the study received the support of the Institute of Regenerative Medicine of California and the Alzheimer’s Fund in Cure.
Melissa Rudy is a senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle in News Digital. The advice of history can be sent to melissa.rudy@News.com.