Neuroprotective compounds eyed as possible Alzheimer's cures
( protect vulnerable neurons )
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Scientists have discovered a compound that restores the capacity to form new memories in aging rats, likely by improving the survival of newborn neurons in the brain's memory hub. The research, funded in part by the National Institutes of Health, has turned up clues to a neuroprotective mechanism that could lead to a treatment for Alzheimer's disease.
"This neuroprotective compound, called P7C3, holds special promise because of its medication-friendly properties," explained Steven McKnight, Ph.D., who co-led the research with Andrew Pieper, M.D., Ph.D., both of University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas. "It can be taken orally, crosses the blood-brain barrier with long-lasting effects, and is safely tolerated by mice during many stages of development." "This striking demonstration of a treatment that stems age-related cognitive decline in living animals points the way to potential development of the first cures that will address the core illness process in Alzheimer’s disease," said NIMH Director Thomas Insel, M.D. Physical activity, social, or other enriching experiences promote neurogenesis — the birth and maturation of new neurons. This growth takes place in the dentate gyrus, a key area of the brain’s memory hub, the hippocampus. But even in the normal adult brain, most of these newborn neurons die during the month it takes to develop and get wired into brain circuitry. To survive, the cells must run a gauntlet of challenges. Newborn hippocampus neurons fare much worse in aging-related disorders like Alzheimer’s, marked by runaway cell death. Read more: ki.se
"This neuroprotective compound, called P7C3, holds special promise because of its medication-friendly properties," explained Steven McKnight, Ph.D., who co-led the research with Andrew Pieper, M.D., Ph.D., both of University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas. "It can be taken orally, crosses the blood-brain barrier with long-lasting effects, and is safely tolerated by mice during many stages of development." "This striking demonstration of a treatment that stems age-related cognitive decline in living animals points the way to potential development of the first cures that will address the core illness process in Alzheimer’s disease," said NIMH Director Thomas Insel, M.D. Physical activity, social, or other enriching experiences promote neurogenesis — the birth and maturation of new neurons. This growth takes place in the dentate gyrus, a key area of the brain’s memory hub, the hippocampus. But even in the normal adult brain, most of these newborn neurons die during the month it takes to develop and get wired into brain circuitry. To survive, the cells must run a gauntlet of challenges. Newborn hippocampus neurons fare much worse in aging-related disorders like Alzheimer’s, marked by runaway cell death. Read more: ki.se
High-protein diets may cause bone loss in older women
Post-menopausal women following high-protein diets to lose weight may be at a higher risk of osteoporosis – and calcium supplementation does not help, finds a new study. Read more: nutraingredients.com
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