Add BrightSurf on Google Email

New therapy targets for amyloid disease

Scientists at the University of Leeds have discovered that amyloid fibres are toxic and become more damaging when shorter, challenging accepted thinking about their inert nature. The study highlights a potential new area for therapeutics and may lead to the development of new treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 4, 2009

Pittsburgh Compound B finds Alzheimer’s-associated plaques in symptom-free older adults

The study finds that Pittsburgh Compound B can detect amyloid deposition in the brains of clinically older adults, potentially opening the door to early diagnosis and prevention strategies. Detailed tests show no decrease in functioning among participants with Alzheimer-associated plaques, suggesting a window of opportunity to slow or ...

Stem cell procedure successfully treats amyloidosis patients

Researchers from Boston University Medical Center successfully treat patients with immunoglobulin-light chain amyloidosis who did not respond to initial treatment. A tandem approach of high-dose chemotherapy and blood stem cell transplantation shows improved overall survival and quality of life for these patients.

SourceBoston University·JournalBone Marrow Transplantation·DateJul 3, 2007

JCI table of contents, February 1, 2006

A genetic mutation in a heart protein has been identified as a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in African American infants. Diabetic patients may benefit from a nerve survival protein called GDNF to treat gastrointestinal disorders related to diabetes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 1, 2006

Alzheimer's disease prevention may be easier than cure

Researchers have found that a specific immunization strategy targeting Abeta42 or Abeta40 can prevent amyloid deposition in mice, suggesting an effective approach for preventing Alzheimer's disease. However, this method may not be effective once existing deposits are established.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 8, 2005

JCI table of contents: December 8, 2005

Researchers discover that preventing amyloid deposition may be easier than curing established Alzheimer's disease through an immunization strategy targeting Abeta42. Additionally, a study finds that pre-treatment of patient T cells with IL-10 and vitamin D3 can overcome glucocorticoid resistance in asthma patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 8, 2005

Scans may help pin down tricky diagnosis

A new study suggests that scintigraphy using radioactive isotope (99mTc-DPD) can help distinguish between hereditary and acquired forms of cardiac amyloidosis, two conditions with different treatment options. The test shows promise in reducing misdiagnosis and improving patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 15, 2005

Two proteins may help prevent Alzheimer's brain plaques

Researchers discovered that apolipoprotein E and clusterin proteins can delay amyloid plaque formation in mice with Alzheimer's-like brain damage. The findings imply that these proteins cooperate to suppress Abeta protein levels and deposition, paving the way for future drug or gene therapy treatments.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateJan 21, 2004

Researchers reveal insidious role of a 'serpin' in Alzheimer's Disease

A team of researchers found that the protein alpha1-antichymotrypsin doubles the accumulation of Alzheimer's disease-associated amyloid plaque in mice brains, indicating a potential therapeutic target. The study suggests that reducing or inhibiting this protein's activity could help prevent plaque formation and brain damage.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateDec 4, 2000

Scientists uncover action of a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers found that apoE4, a high-risk version of the lipoprotein, directly promotes the development of neuritic plaques in the brain by enabling amyloid-beta to form into hair-shaped fibrils. ApoE3 had less damaging effects. The study used a mouse model and showed that apoE interaction with amyloid-beta leads to neurodegeneration.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 29, 2000

New mechanism explains Alzheimer's damage

Researchers found a new mechanism explaining how Alzheimer's disease damages the brain by producing hydrogen peroxide from oxygen, a toxic agent that can cause brain damage. The discovery provides a potential target for new drugs to treat Alzheimer's, which affects four million Americans.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalThe Journal of Biochemistry·DateJun 8, 1999