Stanford scientists are “totally surprised” by Parkinson’s potential treatment discovery
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A recent Stanford Medicine study that “surprised” researchers highlighted what could be a promising approach to decelerate the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
The research, published in the Science Signaling magazine, analyzed more closely the enzymes, proteins in the body that accelerate chemical reactions and are essential for digestion, liver function and other key functions, according to the Cleveland Clinic, and its role in Parkinson.
The team discovered that addressing a certain enzyme helped restore communication of neurons and cells in mice.
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The main author Suzanne Pfeffer, PHD, professor at Emma Pfeiffer Merner in Medical Sciences and biochemistry teacher at Stanford, told News Digital that the team was “totally surprised to have seen as much improvement as us.”
In approximately 25% of Parkinson’s cases, the culprit is some form of genetic mutation. One of the most common mutations creates a hyperactive enzyme called LRRK2, according to a Stanford press release.
The research shows approximately 25% of Parkinson’s cases are caused by some form of genetic mutation. (Istock)
When there is too much LRRK2 activity, it changes the structure of brain cells, interrupting an important communication between neurons and cells. This system is crucial for movement, motivation and decision making, according to researchers.
The objective of the study was to determine whether a specific molecule, the LRRK2 MLI-2 kinase inhibitor could reverse the effect of hyperactive enzymes.
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Using mice that had the genetic mutation caused by hyperactive LRRK2 and also had symptoms consisting of early Parkinson’s disease, scientists tried to feed the inhibitor for two weeks.
Initially, there were no changes detected in the brain structure, the signage or function of dopamine neurons.
When there is too much LRRK2 activity, it changes the structure of brain cells, interrupting an important communication between neurons and cells. (Istock)
However, after three months of eating the inhibitor, the mice affected by the hyperactive enzyme seemed to have restored their neurons to the point where they were practically the same as those who do not have the genetic mutation, the study found.
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“The results of this study suggest that inhibiting the LRRK2 enzyme could stabilize the progression of symptoms if patients can identify themselves early enough,” Pfeffer said in the press release.
Limitations and future research
The study had some limitations, the researchers recognized.
“This was in mice, not in people, but our current results indicate that similar roads are important in humans,” Pfeffer told News Digital.
While the study focused on a specific genetic form of the disease, hyperactive LRRK2 is also present in other cases, which means that this treatment could help multiple types of patients. (Istock)
While the study focused on a specific genetic form of the disease, hyperactive LRRK2 is also present in other cases, which means that this treatment could help multiple types of Parkinson’s patients and possibly those with other neurodegenerative diseases, said the responsibilities.
Looking towards the future, the team plans to investigate whether other Parkinson’s forms could benefit.
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Parkinson, a disease that implies the slow death of dopamine producing neurons, which leads to symptoms such as tremors and rigidity, affects almost a million Americans, according to the Parkinson Foundation, which has offices in New York and Miami.
Experts agree that early intervention is key, since Parkinson’s symptoms often appear years after the disease begins.
“These findings suggest that it could be possible to improve, not only stabilization, the condition of patients with Parkinson’s disease.”
Identifying and treating individuals at risk before could stop or reverse the loss of neurons.
“These findings suggest that it could be possible to improve, not only stabilization, the condition of patients with Parkinson’s disease,” Pfeffer said.
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The researcher told News Digital that it is important to encourage patients to undergo genetic tests to learn more about their suitability for clinical trials and future treatments.
The study was financed by the Michael J. News Foundation for Parkinson’s research, science aligned in Parkinson’s initiative and the United Kingdom Medical Research Council.
Khloe Quill is a lifestyle production assistant with News Digital. She and the lifestyle team cover a variety of stories issues that include food and drink, travel and health.