- Статьи
- Science and technology
- The power of shock: promising dementia drug has been tested on animals
The power of shock: promising dementia drug has been tested on animals
Sechenov University has confirmed the effectiveness of a compound that will form the basis of an advanced drug for the treatment of various forms of dementia and neurodegeneration. Studies on transgenic mice have shown that it helps neurons better cope with the accumulation of pathological proteins, prevents their aggregation and protects brain cells from premature death. Experts noted that the discovery could lead to fundamentally new neuroprotective therapies. However, so far all existing drugs on the market are showing rather modest results and it is necessary to wait for clinical trials.
Is there a way to treat dementia
Scientists at Sechenov University have found that the heat shock protein HSP70 can protect neurons in neurodegenerative diseases. In a series of studies published in leading international journals, they confirmed the neuroprotective effect of this compound in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as well as in forms of dementia such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. The results obtained open up new opportunities for the development of drugs aimed at protecting the brain at the molecular level, the university said.
Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of pathologies in which nerve cells in the brain gradually lose their functions and die. These diseases affect millions of people worldwide and include both hereditary and age-related forms. Until now, there are no effective methods to stop this pathological process.
In a series of studies conducted over several years, a team of Sechenov University specialists studied the effect of overexpression, that is, excessive production, of HSPA1A, one of the key proteins from the family of studied proteins, on the development of neurodegeneration in transgenic mice. One of the latest experiments used mice with a model of the neurodegenerative process, a form of the disease similar to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in humans.
—We have observed that overexpression of HSP70 helps cells better cope with the accumulation of pathological proteins, prevents their aggregation and protects neurons from premature death," Gennady Piavchenko, associate professor at the Department of Human Anatomy and Histology at the N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute of Clinical Medicine at Sechenov University, told Izvestia.
As explained by the scientist, HSP70 is known for its role in maintaining proteostasis — the balance between protein production, folding and destruction. In conditions of stress or illness, they help to "save" damaged structures, preventing their accumulation and toxic effects.
Research on mice
In the course of experiments, scientists have recorded a decrease in the level of neurodegeneration in various areas of the brain in mice. Interestingly, the protective effect was observed not only in the spinal cord and cortex, but also in the limbic system, an area associated with emotions and behavior. This may be especially important for maintaining cognitive and emotional functions, which are often impaired in dementia.
The researchers also found that the introduction of recombinant protein is safe for mice. The experiments revealed no pronounced structural changes in the tissues of the brain, liver, spleen, or thymus after administration of HSP70 in doses up to 500 mcg /kg. These data suggest that the protein may be safe if used systemically.
In addition, it turned out that the protective effect of HSP70 depends on its localization: the intracellular protein slows down degeneration, while the extracellular protein can enhance damage to neurons. The work also includes the development of advanced analysis methods, including quantitative immunofluorescence mapping and Raman spectroscopy using machine learning.
The data obtained indicate the high potential of HSP70 for therapy in neurodegenerative diseases, the scientists note. Despite the fact that we are still talking about preclinical models, the results open up prospects for the development of drugs capable of activating the protective functions of these proteins.
A new approach to dementia therapy
The discovery of Sechenov University scientists confirming the neuroprotective effect of HSP70 has significant prospects for the development of new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Since this protein is able to prevent the aggregation of pathological proteins and protect neurons from death, its therapeutic use can slow down the progression of diseases such as ALS, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, said Alexander Zakharov, director of the Research Institute of Neuroscience at SamSMU, an expert at the NTI Center based at SamSMU and the NTI Healthnet market.
— It is important that studies have shown the safety of recombinant HSP70 when administered systemically, which opens the way to the creation of drugs based on it. However, the key issue remains the development of methods for delivering protein inside cells, since its extracellular form can have a negative impact, the expert told Izvestia.
In medical practice, this discovery can lead to the emergence of fundamentally new neuroprotective therapies aimed at maintaining proteostasis in neurons. The use of HSP70 or its activators can become part of a comprehensive treatment, complementing existing approaches such as antiplatelet drugs or gene therapy. In addition, the use of advanced analysis techniques, including Raman spectroscopy and machine learning, can accelerate the development of personalized treatment regimens. However, additional research is needed to move to clinical trials, including studying long-term effects and optimizing dosages, Alexander Zakharov emphasized.
In general, the drugs responsible for improving cognitive functions and currently available in the doctor's arsenal — memantine, rivastigmine, galantamine and donepezil, as well as new high—profile novelties - all show rather modest results, but nootropics do not show any, said Gleb Krasnov, market expert at NTI Helsnet, a geriatrician.
"Geriatricians (doctors who diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases in the elderly and senile) usually have low expectations: medications can cause slight improvement in mild cognitive impairment within six months, followed by degradation of the effect and cognitive functions," the specialist noted.
The latest results of the work of Sechenov University scientists have been published in the journal Laser Physics Letters.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
