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The mind has a hidden “sugar code” that might result in higher remedies for neurological ailments like Alzheimer’s, in accordance with new analysis.
A examine lately revealed within the journal Nature Metabolism discovered that breaking down glycogen (saved glucose) within the mind may cut back the buildup of poisonous proteins linked to the frequent dementia.
This was one of many first research to indicate that glycogen might actively affect brain health and illness, in accordance with lead writer Dr. Pankaj Kapahi, a professor on the Buck Institute for Analysis on Growing old in California.
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“The examine started with fruit flies (Drosophila) that have been genetically modified to imitate tauopathy, a situation the place a protein known as tau builds up within the mind, just like what occurs in Alzheimer’s illness,” Kapahi informed Fox Information Digital.
The flies used within the examine have been discovered to have mind injury and shortened lifespans, in accordance with the researcher.
The mind has a hidden “sugar code” that might result in higher remedies for neurological ailments like Alzheimer’s illness, in accordance with new analysis. (iStock)
To make sure that the outcomes may translate to people, the research team additionally studied nerve cells made within the lab from human affected person cells carrying tau mutations, in addition to postmortem mind samples from individuals who had Alzheimer’s or associated circumstances, in accordance with a press launch.
Examine findings
In each the fly and human fashions, the researchers discovered elevated ranges of glycogen (saved glucose) within the mind, in addition to indicators that glycogen breakdown was impaired, Kapahi informed Fox Information Digital.
This was a shocking discovery, as researchers beforehand thought glycogen was primarily saved within the muscle mass and liver.
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In addition they discovered that the surplus glycogen contributed to illness. The tau proteins within the scientists’ fashions interacted with glycogen, blocking it from breaking down, and the nerves misplaced their means to push back cell injury.
Nevertheless, the researchers discovered they might lower injury to the fruit flies and human nerves by boosting an enzyme known as glycogen phosphorylase (GlyP), which breaks down glycogen.
“The subsequent step within the course of could also be mopping up probably damaging free radicals roaming our brains.”
The nerve cells used the glycogen to struggle towards cell injury, suggesting that the enzymes chargeable for breaking down sugar could possibly be promising targets for future therapies.
The researchers have been additionally curious whether or not a restricted diet may enhance the flies’ mind well being.
After they diminished the quantity of protein within the bugs’ weight loss program, the flies certainly lived longer and their mind well being improved.
The examine discovered that breaking down glycogen (saved glucose) within the mind may cut back the buildup of poisonous proteins linked to Alzheimer’s. (AP Picture/Evan Vucci, File)
“We then found this enchancment was linked to a rise within the breakdown of glycogen,” Kapahi mentioned.
This led to the examine’s most important discovering — that breaking down glycogen in neurons can defend the mind from injury brought on by tau buildup.
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The scientists additionally developed a drug utilizing a particular molecule known as 8-Br-cAMP that replicated related results of dietary restriction, the press launch famous.
The authors clarified that they don’t seem to be recommending low-protein diets simply but — however mentioned this analysis may pave the way in which for dietary or drug-based methods to assist gradual Alzheimer’s and associated ailments.
The examine discovered that breaking down glycogen in neurons can defend the mind from injury brought on by tau buildup. (iStock)
Dr. Michael Okun, a Florida neurologist and medical advisor to the Parkinson’s Basis, was not concerned within the examine however commented on the importance of the findings.
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“As a substitute of funneling sugar into energy-burning processes, the broken-down glycogen gave the impression to be routed into an antioxidant-producing pathway,” Okun, who can be writer of “The Parkinson’s Plan,” informed Fox Information Digital.
“The subsequent step within the course of could also be mopping up probably damaging free radicals roaming our brains,” he mentioned.
Alzheimer’s illness, the most typical type of dementia within the U.S., impacts greater than seven million individuals within the U.S. (iStock)
Okun additionally confirmed that dietary restrictions activated a protecting mind pathway and boosted the breakdown of mind sugar.
“It finally diminished injury from the Alzheimer’s-related tau protein,” he mentioned.
Examine limitations
The examine — which was supported by the Nationwide Institutes of Well being, in addition to the American Federation of Growing old Analysis and different sources — did have some limitations, the specialists acknowledged.
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The researchers didn’t make clear whether or not breaking down mind glycogen may cease human mind cells from dying, Okun famous.
“We nonetheless don’t know if concentrating on glycogen breakdown will work in human sufferers — and most significantly, whether or not it is going to be a secure method.”
“We don’t but know why glycogen builds up in illness, or whether or not it’s a trigger or a results of tau pathology — although our knowledge counsel it might amplify illness development,” Kapahi added.
The analysis was additionally performed solely on fly and human cell fashions and has not but been examined on residing people.
“We don’t but know why glycogen builds up in illness, or whether or not it’s a trigger or a results of tau pathology — although our knowledge counsel it might amplify illness development,” the researcher mentioned. (iStock)
“We nonetheless don’t know if concentrating on glycogen breakdown will work in human patients — and most significantly, whether or not it is going to be a secure method,” Okun mentioned.
Alzheimer’s illness, the most typical type of dementia within the U.S., impacts greater than seven million individuals within the U.S., in accordance with the Alzheimer’s Affiliation.
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The neurological disorder impacts reminiscence, considering and conduct.
There isn’t any remedy for the illness, however some drugs can briefly gradual development and enhance high quality of life.