Stanford’s study reveals that the enzymatic inhibitor can slow Parkinson’s disease

A recent study by Stanford Medicine which “totally surprised” researchers stressed what could be a promising approach to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

Research, published in the journal Science Signaling, has more closely examined the enzymes – proteins in the body which accelerate chemical reactions and are essential for digestion, liver function and other key functions, according to the Cleveland Clinic – and their role in Parkinson.

The team found that targeting a certain enzyme has helped restore communication of neurons and cells in mice.

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The main author Suzanne Pfeffer, PHD, Professor Emma Pfeiffer Merner in medical sciences and biochemistry professor in Stanford, told Fox News Digital that the team was “totally surprised that we saw as much improvement as we”.

In around 25% of Parkinson cases, the culprit is a form of genetic mutation. One of the most common mutations creates a hyperactive enzyme called LRRK2, according to a press release from Stanford.

About 25% of Parkinson cases are caused by a certain form of genetic mutation, according to research. (istock)

When there is too much LRRK2 activity, it modifies the structure of brain cells, disturbing significant communication between neurons and cells. This system is crucial for movement, motivation and decision -making, according to the researchers.

The aim of the study was to determine whether a specific molecule – the inhibitor of Kinase MLI -2 LRRK2 – could reverse the effect of hyperactive enzymes.

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Using mice that had genetic mutation that causes hyperactive LRRK2 and also had symptoms consistent with early Parkinson’s disease, scientists tried to feed the inhibitor for two weeks.

No change has been detected in the brain structure, signaling or function of dopamine neurons.

When there is too much LRRK2 activity, it modifies the structure of brain cells, disturbing significant communication between neurons and cells. (istock)

However, after three months of consumption of 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 without genetic mutation, the study revealed.

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“The results of this study suggest that the inhibition of the enzyme LRRK2 could stabilize the progression of symptoms if patients can be identified early enough,” Pfeffer said in the press release.

Future limitations and research

The study had certain limits, recognized the researchers.

“It was in mice, not people, but our current results indicate that similar ways are important in humans,” Pfeffer at Fox News Digital told.

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 possibly help several types of patients. (istock)

While the study has focused on a specific genetic form of the disease, hyperactive LRRK2 is also present in other cases, which means that this treatment could help several types of Parkinson patients and perhaps those who suffer from other neurodegenerative diseases, restoring rest.

For the future, the team plans to investigate if other forms of parkinson could benefit from it.

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Parkinson – A disease that involves the slow death of neurons producing dopamine, leading to symptoms such as tremors and stiffness – affects nearly a million Americans, according to the Parkinson Foundation, which has offices in New York and Miami.

Experts agree that early intervention is essential, as Parkinson symptoms often appear years after the start of the disease.

“These results suggest that it may be possible to improve, and not just to stabilize, from the condition of patients with Parkinson’s disease.”

The identification and treatment of individuals at risk earlier could potentially stop or reverse the loss of neurons.

“These results suggest that it may be possible to improve, not only to stabilize, from the state of patients with Parkinson’s disease,” said Pfeffer.

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The researcher told Fox News Digital that it was important to encourage patients to undergo genetic tests to learn more about their ability to clinical trials and future treatments.

The study was funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research, the science of alignment throughout the Parkinson initiative and the United Kingdom Medical Research Council.